By Robert Segawa
Police in Koome Island, Mukono district, have launched investigations into a fire outbreak that gutted a wooden settlement at Kitosi Landing Site, killing three-month-old twin girls.
The fire broke out at around 5:00pm at Kitosi Landing Site in Lwomoro Parish, Koome Sub-county, destroying about 12 houses and property belonging to residents.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, the deceased have been identified as Babire Joan and Nakato Jane, both daughters of a woman identified as Nalongo.
Owoyesigyire said the infants had reportedly been left inside a room that was locked with a padlock when the fire started, making it difficult for them to escape or be rescued.
Police responded to the scene and retrieved the bodies of the two infants from the burnt room.
“No arrests have so far been made at this stage,” Owoyesigyire said, adding that investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.
Police are also working to identify other people affected by the incident.
Owoyesigyire cautioned parents and guardians against leaving children unattended or locking them inside rooms where they may be unable to escape in case of an emergency.
“Police caution members of the public, especially parents and guardians, against leaving children unattended or locking them inside rooms where they may be unable to escape in case of an emergency,” he said.
Residents living in wooden settlements have also been urged to observe fire safety precautions, keep potential sources of fire away from flammable materials and ensure that children have access to safe exits in case of a fire outbreak.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Mukono Health Centre IV as investigations continue.
Police said they will continue engaging the community on fire prevention and safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
