By Robert Segawa
Police in Kawempe are investigating a devastating arson incident that resulted in the death of a baby boy and left a three-year-old girl in critical condition. The fire occurred last night in Kaayi Zone, Nabweru Division, Wakiso District, at the home of Ikwaru Martin, a 28-year-old Army officer stationed at Mbuya Barracks.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesman, the deceased child has been identified as Onam Emmanuel, the son of Ikwaru. The injured child, Anorwoth Elizabeth, is currently receiving treatment at Kirudu Hospital for serious injuries sustained in the blaze.
Ikwaru Martin reported discovering the fire around midnight when he and his new wife had stepped out for a shower. Upon returning, he found their bedroom engulfed in flames. Despite his efforts to rescue his children, Onam Emmanuel was tragically found dead at the scene, likely due to suffocation and burns.
The Kawempe Territorial Police, along with experts from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services, arrived promptly and managed to extinguish the fire. During their investigation, crime scene investigators recovered a matchbox and a small plastic container, suspected to contain kerosene. These items have been sent for forensic analysis.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police have arrested Adu Deborah, 25, the ex-wife of Ikwaru Martin, who had been separated from him for a week. Deborah is currently in custody to assist with the investigation.
“We strongly condemn any act of violence that leads to the death and injury of innocent individuals and are committed to thoroughly investigating this matter to determine the exact cause of the fire,” Owoyesigyire stated.
