By Robert Segawa
Two pupils have died and three others sustained injuries after a fire gutted a boys’ dormitory at Hami Junior School in Kagoma, Maganjo B Zone, Nabweru Division, Wakiso District.
The deceased have been identified as Namusoke Lamia, eight, a Primary One pupil, and Abdu Shakul Bwete, 10, a Primary Three pupil.
The fire reportedly broke out at about 10:30 p.m., shortly after the pupils returned from their evening preparatory classes.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, three other pupils were injured in the incident. They are Miyingo Alcham Yusuf, 13, a Primary Seven pupil; Muyimba Hamidu, nine, a Primary Three pupil; and Kazibwe Hasadu, seven, a Primary One pupil.
The injured pupils were rushed to Bethel Medical Centre for first aid, while the bodies of the deceased were conveyed to the City Mortuary at Mulago for postmortem examinations.
Preliminary findings indicate that the dormitory was divided by wooden partitions, with pupils sleeping on double- and triple-decker beds.
Owoyesigyire said police fire and rescue teams responded to the incident and extinguished the blaze before it could spread to nearby structures.
Homicide detectives, scene-of-crime officers and other investigators have since recorded statements from witnesses as investigations continue to establish the cause of the fire.
Separate Fire Destroys Property at Nansana Hotel
In a related incident, another fire broke out at about 8:15 p.m. at Ivory Hotel in Nansana West 1B, West Ward, Nansana Division, Wakiso District.
Preliminary information indicates that the fire followed intermittent power interruptions, during which sparks were reportedly observed at a transformer before flames were noticed on the hotel’s rooftop structure.
According to Owoyesigyire, the fire affected the rooftop section, which housed staff accommodation and storerooms, destroying property worth millions of shillings.
The full extent of the damage is yet to be established, while investigations into the incident are ongoing. Police have recorded statements from first responders as they seek to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Although an electrical fault is suspected, police say the cause remains subject to investigation.
Following the two incidents, Owoyesigyire urged members of the public to observe fire safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
He advised schools, hotels and other premises accommodating children or large numbers of people to keep escape routes, doors, windows and corridors free from obstructions to facilitate safe evacuation during emergencies.
He also called on institutions to conduct regular fire safety inspections and evacuation drills, particularly in schools and other facilities where children are accommodated.
Owoyesigyire further urged staff members and occupants to familiarise themselves with emergency procedures, including how to raise an alarm, evacuate safely and contact emergency responders.
He cautioned the public against attempting to fight rapidly spreading fires without proper training or equipment. In cases involving suspected electrical fires, he warned against using water on live electrical equipment.
The police spokesperson also encouraged the public to promptly report electrical sparks, burning smells, exposed wiring and other potential fire hazards to the relevant authorities.
He urged anyone who encounters a fire to raise the alarm, evacuate to a safe location and immediately contact the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services or the nearest police station.
