Biteko leads farewell for students killed by lightning

GEITA: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko yesterday led thousands of mourners in bidding farewell to seven students of Businda Secondary School in Bukombe District who tragically lost their lives due to a lightning strike on January 27 this year.

Dr Biteko who is also Member of Parliament for Bukombe, extended his condolences to the grieving families, urging them to remain patient during this difficult time.

He offered condolences to the parents, guardians, and relatives of the children, as well as the students of Businda, for the loss of their loved ones, and to the Businda Secondary community for their efforts and provision of assistance during the incident.

“It is written that we should thank God for everything. God has brought us together today in this moment of grief. Let this incident remind us to do good at all times and trust that God is all-powerful,” he “I would particularly like to mention all the doctors by name for their tremendous support, but it suffices to say thank you for the great work you’ve done,” he added.

He also conveyed a message from Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, who, after receiving news of the tragedy, has been closely following the situation and giving directives to comfort the grieving families, the people of Bukombe, and the nation.

“President Samia has covered the funeral expenses and sent condolence gifts to the families of the deceased, as well as facilitated the transportation of the bodies of two students to Chato in Geita and Karatu in Arusha for burial,” Dr Biteko said.

ALSO READ: President mourns seven students killed by lightning in Geita

Various religious leaders also offered words of comfort to the mourners, acknowledging that while death is always difficult to accept, God’s love and grace will provide solace.

The religious leaders reminded the public that life is uncertain and urged everyone to always be prepared, as no one knows when they may be called to meet their end.

The deceased students include Erick Emmanuel Akonaay (17), Nikas Paul Tompoli (18), Gabriel Daud Makoye (17), Doto Marco Masasi (18), Asteria Reonard Mkina (16), Peter Nkinga Manyanda (17), and Erick Martine Bugalama (16).

Earlier, the Headmistress of Businda Secondary School, Theodora Mushi said that the students were pursuing their education when the tragedy struck adding that four of them died on the spot, while the remaining three passed away while receiving treatment in various hospitals and health centres.

Bukombe District Commissioner, Paskazi Mragili expressed gratitude to the health department for its quick and efficient response, as they provided care to 138 students, with 89 directly affected, while others were allowed to return home.

All the injured students were discharged and those with minor injuries are receiving follow-up treatment at home.