In a deeply unfortunate and tragic incident, Charles Kakonge Ndawula, a respected physics teacher in Kayunga aged 58, lost his life while attempting to disconnect electric wires that he had illegally tapped power from an electricity pole at night.
Charles Kakonge Ndawula, affectionately known as Mr. Kakonge, had a long and distinguished career as a physics teacher, touching the lives of countless students with his passion for science. He was highly regarded in the educational community for his dedication to his craft and his commitment to imparting knowledge.
The incident occurred late in the evening when Mr. Kakonge decided to make an ill-fated attempt to disconnect the electric wires that he had clandestinely connected to an electricity pole near his home. It is reported that Mr. Kakonge had been illegally tapping power directly from the pole, presumably to reduce his electricity bills.
As Mr. Kakonge attempted to manipulate the wires, a fatal accident unfolded. Tragically, he was electrocuted during the process, resulting in a severe electric shock. Neighbors who heard the commotion immediately rushed to the scene but were unable to save him. The incident was reported to the authorities, and emergency services arrived promptly, but it was too late to save the physics teacher.
The UMEME manger for Kayunga, Ms Birungi Eseza says that illegal power connections are a serious concern in many communities, driven by factors such as the desire to reduce utility costs. “These connections pose significant safety risks not only to those attempting to tap into the power source but also to the wider community. Electrocution incidents like this one underscore the potentially fatal consequences of such actions,” she warned.
