A somber mood has engulfed Cell 3C in Kooki Ward, Lyantonde Town Council following the tragic death of 6-year-old Trevor Ahimbisibwe. The young boy lost his life after coming into contact with exposed electrical wires allegedly left behind by grasshopper hunters in the area.
According to local accounts, the incident occurred when the child wandered into an area where residents typically hunt grasshoppers at night using improvised electrical traps. The boy's father, Emmanuel Mugyenyi, recounted with deep sorrow how his son stepped on one of the live wires that had been carelessly abandoned after recent grasshopper hunting activities.
The community has expressed outrage over the dangerous practices of some grasshopper hunters who leave behind hazardous electrical setups. Local leaders have sounded urgent warnings to parents about the need for increased vigilance, particularly during grasshopper season when such dangerous traps become more common.
Authorities from Lyantonde Police Station swiftly responded to the scene, securing the area and collecting crucial evidence including the deadly wires. The body was transported to Lyantonde Hospital for further examination as investigations into the incident continue.
The tragedy has sparked broader concerns about electrical safety in rural communities, with residents calling for immediate action from Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to better secure power lines and prevent similar incidents. Community leaders emphasize the need for public education campaigns about the dangers of illegal electrical connections and unsafe grasshopper hunting methods.
As the community mourns this heartbreaking loss, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that threaten children in rural areas, particularly during seasonal activities like grasshopper hunting. Local authorities have pledged to intensify efforts to curb dangerous practices while urging parents to exercise greater caution with their children's movements.
