In Summary: Kataba Abudallah, 32, died after touching an electrified wire while attempting to rescue his nine-year-old daughter, who had suffered an electric shock while hanging a bedsheet at their home. Police say preliminary investigations point to faulty electrical connections and wiring in the building. The child was rushed for medical attention as investigations into the incident continue.
Iganga, Uganda — A 32-year-old father has died after being electrocuted while attempting to rescue his nine-year-old daughter from an electric shock at their home in Iganga Municipality.
The deceased, identified as Kataba Abudallah, an electrician and resident of Kirowa Zone in Northern Division, died on Thursday morning, November 12, 2026, after touching an electrified wire as he rushed to save his daughter.
According to preliminary police information, the incident happened at about 6am when the girl, identified as Mutesi Zura, was hanging a bedsheet on a wire at their home and suffered an electric shock.
Her alarm reportedly attracted her father’s attention, prompting him to rush to her rescue. However, he also came into contact with the live wire and was electrocuted.
Police officers from Iganga Central Police Station visited and documented the scene, recorded statements from witnesses and conveyed the body to Iganga Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Preliminary findings indicate that faulty electrical connections and wiring in the building caused electric current to pass through the wire on which the bedsheet was being hung.
“Preliminary findings indicate that there was a fault in the connection and wiring in the building, which caused electric current to pass through the hanging wire,” police said.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha confirmed the incident, conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured child a quick recovery.
“Police condole with the family of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of the child,” Kasadha said.
He urged landlords and tenants to take electrical safety seriously by ensuring that buildings are properly wired and regularly inspected by qualified electricians.
“We appeal to the public, especially landlords and tenants, to always use qualified electricians for house wiring, to regularly check for faulty wiring, and to immediately report power leakages to UEDCL,” Kasadha said.
Abudallah had also recently contested for the position of LC1 chairperson in Kirowa Zone.
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