Lightning on Tuesday hit Runyanya primary school in Kiryandongo district, about 225 kilometres northwest of Kampala, killing 15 girls and three boys, police spokeswoman Judith Nabakooba told AFP.
"The injured were taken to hospital nearby and 15 of those who were seriously injured were transferred to Mulago hospital," in Kampala, Nabakooba said.
Local media reported that a further 21 pupils were burned yesterday after lightning struck at a second school in Zombo district, around 380 kilometres north of Kampala. Police could not confirm the incident.
Nabakooba could not provide an exact figure for the total number killed by lightning in recent weeks, but local newspaper The Daily Monitor reported Wednesday a total of 28 killed and scores injured in the past week, including Tuesday's incidents.
Uganda is experiencing unseasonably heavy rainstorms and concern about the number of
recent lightning strikes has prompted lawmakers to demand an official explanation from government.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks