At least 19 of 21 pupils who were struck by lightning last week have been discharged from Kagadi according to the hospital officials.
More than 40 pupils of Kyenzige Model Primary School in Kyenzige Sub County in Kibaale district were on Thursday struck by lightning leaving 21 in critical condition.
The victims sustained serious burns and bruises on their bodies, while others were rushed to hospital due to shock, according to Dr. James Olowo.
Dr. Olowo, who is the Kagadi hospital medical superintendent, says the number of victims admitted in the hospital rose from 15 to 21.
He says however that on Friday six pupils were discharged while 13 were discharged on Saturday morning after having fully regained their consciousness, adding that they can now communicate and eat well.
He however says two pupils are still being treated at the hospital but expressed hope that they would also be discharged this week.
The victims still admitted are Rosemary Atugonza 11, a pupil in primary 5 and Sarah Mbabazi in primary 4. Dr. Olowo says they are still monitoring the conditions of the two pupils who are still complaining of headache and general body weakness.
He says they have instructed the parents of the pupils to closely monitor them and adhere to doctor’s advice.
Cleophus Mugenyi, the district education officer however expressed fear about the fate of the school children. He said the incident occurred during a critical moment when pupils were doing their end of year examinations.
According to him, over 70 percent of the schools in the district do not have lightening arrestors.
