Corpse of the 5-year old girl lying beneath a live wire
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Police in Kampala have launched investigations into the death of a five-year-old girl who was electrocuted after touching an electric pole support wire in Kibuli, Makindye Division.
The child, identified as Ayomirwoth Rehema, died on Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026, at around 11:00 a.m. The incident occurred in Kakunguru Zone, where she had been playing with other children near a drainage channel.
Preliminary police findings indicate that Rehema came into contact with a stay wire attached to an electric pole. The wire, which is normally meant to provide structural support to the pole, had become live, leading to fatal electrocution.
“It is alleged that the child accidentally touched a live stay wire while playing in the area, which resulted in her death,” Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer ASP Luke Owoyesigyire said.
Stay wires—also known as guy wires—are metallic cables anchored into the ground to stabilise power poles. Under standard safety conditions, they are not supposed to carry electricity and are usually insulated to prevent harm to the public.
However, experts explain that such wires can become energised when faults occur within the power system. These faults may arise from damaged insulation, contact with overhead power lines, vandalism, ageing infrastructure, or prolonged exposure to water, particularly during rainy periods. Once electrified, the wire can transmit current into the ground, creating a serious hazard to anyone nearby.
Officers from Kabalagala Police Division, together with Scenes of Crime personnel, visited and documented the scene. The child’s body was later taken to Mulago City Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Officials from the electricity distribution company were notified and disconnected the affected wire to eliminate further risk to residents in the area.
Police say no arrests have been made so far, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report exposed, damaged, or suspicious electrical installations to the relevant agencies to prevent similar incidents.
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