UGANDA, Jinja | Real Muloodi News | In a heartbreaking incident on Saturday night 6th January 2024, a devastating fire engulfed a residence in Nsakabusolo cell, Northern Division of Jinja City, resulting in the tragic loss of two young lives.
The Jinja house fire, suspected to have originated from a candle left unattended by their mother, Hellen Mukyala, while she went to the nearby market, has left the community in shock.
The toddlers, whose identities remain undisclosed, were sleeping under a mosquito net, and it is believed that the fire first ignited the net.
The children were burnt beyond recognition, and their remains were taken to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examinations.
At the time of the incident, Mukyala was unconscious and undergoing treatment at a private health facility in Jinja, leaving unanswered questions about the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
Residents in the neighbourhood expressed surprise upon learning about the Jinja house fire, mentioning that Mukyala had securely locked the gate to her house before leaving for Napier market.
The fire had already caused extensive damage by the time it was noticed by the community. Asuman Mwidu, a resident in the area, described the difficulty in accessing the fire scene due to the securely locked gate and the subsequent collapse of the house ceiling.
Esther Nakagolo, another resident, highlighted the challenges of detecting the fire during its early stages, leading to a delayed response. The residents eventually alerted the police when flames and smoke became conspicuous.
James Mubi, the Kiira regional police spokesperson, explained that the police’s fire brigade, although hindered by the late notification, made efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring houses.
Mubi emphasised the importance of parental vigilance, urging parents to ensure that children are under the supervision of responsible individuals capable of rescuing them from potentially dangerous situations.
The Jinja house fire serves as a tragic reminder of the critical need for fire safety measures and constant supervision, especially in households with young children.
The incident has prompted local authorities and residents to reflect on the importance of community awareness and preparedness to prevent such devastating losses in the future.
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