Footballer Dies After Lightning Strikes Pitch During Tournament in Mpigi

A 23-year-old footballer has died after lightning struck a football pitch during a parish tournament in Buwama Town Council, Mpigi District.

The victim, identified as Andrew Makubuya, reportedly died on the spot after lightning struck the Bongole playing field while a match was underway.

Another player was also reportedly injured in the incident and rushed to Gombe Hospital in critical condition.

Lightning Strikes Football Pitch During Match

The incident happened as players from Majja and Mbizzinnya outstation church teams were competing in a football tournament organised by Mitala Maria Catholic Parish.

The tournament was part of preparations for the parish’s Youth Day celebrations.

Aloysius Ssekate, one of the coaches who witnessed the incident, said it was drizzling when lightning suddenly struck the middle of the pitch.

According to Ssekate, several players were knocked down by the lightning strike.

He said most of those affected eventually got back on their feet, but Makubuya and another player remained down.

The two were reportedly rushed for medical attention, where Makubuya was confirmed dead.

Parish Cancels Tournament and Youth Day Celebrations

Following the tragedy, organisers cancelled the remaining matches of the tournament.

Fr Nicholas Mukwaya, the parish youth leader, said the competition, which was originally scheduled to conclude on September 18, would not continue.

The parish also cancelled its planned Youth Day celebrations.

Instead, church leaders said a special Mass would be held to pray for Makubuya and remember him following the tragic incident.

The cancellation has left the local football community and parish members mourning the sudden death of the young player.

Government Warns About Lightning During Rainy Season

The incident comes as Uganda enters a wetter period, with authorities warning communities to take precautions against lightning and other extreme weather conditions.

In its seasonal climate outlook issued on August 31, the Ministry of Water and Environment forecast near-normal to above-normal rainfall across most parts of Uganda between September and December.

The ministry said rainfall could begin relatively late in some areas before increasing in intensity, with the peak expected between late October and November. In some parts of the country, the rainy season could extend into January 2027.

Mpigi Forecast to Receive Above-Normal Rainfall

Buwama, where the incident occurred, is located in Mpigi District within the Central and Western Lake Victoria region.

According to the government forecast, the area is expected to experience above-normal rainfall, with more consistent rains expected from mid to late September.

The rainfall is forecast to reach its peak between mid-October and mid-November.

The latest tragedy has renewed concerns about the risks posed by lightning during outdoor activities, particularly when thunderstorms develop.