By Our Reporter
Two pupils have died and three others sustained injuries after a fire broke out in a dormitory at Hami Junior School in Kagoma, Maganjo, Wakiso District, with police also investigating a separate fire that destroyed property at Ivory Hotel in Nansana.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, said the two incidents occurred on October 19, 2026, prompting police to launch investigations into their causes.
“The first incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. at Hami Junior School in Kagoma, Maganjo B Zone, Nabweru Division, Wakiso District. The fire broke out in the boys’ dormitory, claiming the lives of two pupils,” Owoyesigyire said in a statement issued on October 20.
He identified the deceased as Namusoke Lamia, eight, a Primary One pupil, and Abdu Shakul Bwete, 10, who was in Primary Three. Owoyesigyire said three other pupils were injured in the incident and were rushed to Bethel Medical Centre for first aid.
“The injured pupils are Miyingo Alcham Yusuf, aged 13, a Primary Seven pupil; Muyimba Hamidu, aged nine, a Primary Three pupil; and Kazibwe Hasadu, aged seven, a Primary One pupil,” he said. He added that the bodies of the deceased pupils were taken 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. Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire,” Owoyesigyire said.
In a separate incident, Owoyesigyire said a fire broke out at Ivory Hotel in Nansana West 1B, West Ward, Nansana Division, Wakiso District, at approximately 8:15 p.m. on the same day.
“Preliminary information indicates that the incident followed intermittent power interruptions, during which sparks were reportedly observed at a transformer before flames were noticed on the hotel’s rooftop structure,” he said. Owoyesigyire said police officers, including the Division Police Commander, Criminal Investigations Department personnel and scene-of-crime officers, responded to the incident alongside the Fire and Rescue team from Fire Headquarters.
“The fire was extinguished. However, it affected the rooftop structure, which housed staff and store rooms, destroying property therein. The full extent of the damage is yet to be established,” he said. He cautioned that the suspected electrical cause of the fire remains subject to investigation. “Investigations have commenced, and statements have been recorded from first responders,” Owoyesigyire said.
Following the two incidents, Owoyesigyire urged schools, hotels, businesses, landlords and members of the public to strengthen fire prevention measures to avoid further loss of lives and destruction of property. “We urge institutions and property owners to have electrical installations, wiring, transformers and other electrical equipment inspected and maintained by qualified personnel,” he said. He also warned against overloading sockets and extension cables, advising the public to switch off unnecessary electrical appliances when they are not in use. “Schools, hotels, commercial buildings and other premises should have accessible fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and clearly marked emergency exits,” Owoyesigyire said.
He further emphasised the need to keep escape routes, doors, windows and corridors free from obstructions to facilitate safe evacuation during emergencies. “Institutions should conduct regular fire safety inspections and evacuation drills, particularly in schools and other premises accommodating children or large numbers of people,” he said. Owoyesigyire added that staff members and occupants should know how to raise an alarm, evacuate safely and contact emergency responders.
He cautioned the public against attempting to fight rapidly spreading fires without appropriate training or equipment. “Where electrical fires are suspected, avoid using water on live electrical equipment,” he said. He also urged members of the public to promptly report electrical sparks, burning smells, exposed wiring and other potential fire hazards to the relevant authorities. “In the event of a fire, members of the public should raise the alarm, evacuate to a safe location, and contact the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services or the nearest police station immediately,” Owoyesigyire said.
He expressed condolences to the families of the pupils who died in the school fire and wished the injured children a speedy recovery. “Kampala Metropolitan Police extends its condolences to the families of the pupils who lost their lives at Hami Junior School and wishes the injured pupils a speedy recovery,” he said. He reiterated the need for institutions and property owners to prioritise the safety of occupants as investigations into both incidents continue. “We urge all institutions and property owners to take fire prevention seriously and prioritise the safety of occupants. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information comes in,” Owoyesigyire said.