Residents of Kitaka Zone, Busega Parish, Rubaga Division, in Kampala have been left in speculation about the exact cause of the fire that claimed lives of three children last night. According to Moreen Nakimera, a resident, the fire abruptly engulfed Ernest Mugerwa’s home.
“We don’t know what caused the fire but it was abrupt. We tried to rescue the entire family but we succeeded on only two family members. The other family members who are all children perished in the fire,” Nakimera said.
Police have identified the three deceased children as Danila Nalukwago aged 11, Darius Lukwago aged six and Diego Muwanguzi aged three. ASP Luke Owoyesigyire the deputy Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson said police officers from Nateete police led by ASP Kalyango tried to extinguish the fire but it was too late.
“We regret to inform the public about a tragic fire outbreak that occurred at Kitaka Zone, Busega in Rubaga Division, Kampala District. Police from Nateete Division, led by ASP Kalyango, responded promptly, but the fire had already been contained by the general public. Three children tragically lost their lives due to suffocation caused by carbon monoxide,” ASP Owoyesigyire said.
It is suspected that the fire could have resulted from an act of arson. But this remains a subject of investigations. Ernest Mugerwa and his son Marvin Mugerwa were rushed to Mulago hospital for treatment.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation. We extend our deepest condolences to the affected family and will provide updates as more information becomes available,” ASP Owoyesigyire said.
Kampala metropolitan has experienced tragic home fire incidents which have claimed lives of all family members. In May this year, six children aged between 2 and 16 years perished in a fire at Mulanda B, Kisubi parish, Kajjansi town council, in Wakiso district.
The house in which the six children perished belonged to Bakita Ayang, a South Sudanese national. Areas leaders and residents alerted Kisubi police station which took about two hours mobilize the fire brigade and by the time the fire was contained, the children had been burnt beyond recognition.
In November 2022, five family members perished in a fire outbreak at Yoka Zone, Bukasa Parish, in Makindye Division. Yoka Zone victims included Steven Luyomba, his wife Doreen Nafula and their three children Sumei Lubega aged 16, Edith Naiga aged 15 and Andrew aged 7.