UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Two children died and another was injured following a fire outbreak at a residence in Kabowa, a suburb in Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The incident took place on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at around 2:00 am, in Kironde Zone, Kabowa in Rubaga Division, while the children’s parents were attending night prayers.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire started in the two-roomed house of Zidda Nasasi, who had left her three children alone in the house.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the fire then spread to the other room where Arafat Kawuki, 8 years, and Aya Namuddu, 10 years, were sleeping, resulting in their deaths. The injured child, Ashraf Sseruwagi, 12 years, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire and have collected material of evidential value from the scene. The bodies of the deceased children have been taken to Mulago City Mortuary for postmortem.
“Our crime scene investigating teams responded to the scene to collect material of evidential value, which will help us determine the cause of the fire,” Mr Luke Owoyesigyire said.
Police Express Condolences
Kampala Metropolitan Police have expressed their deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased children.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased children,” Mr Owoyesigyire said.
The incident occurred just a day after another fire outbreak at the Nakayiza Shopping Mall at Kakajjo in Kisenyi, Kampala, which caused significant damage to property worth millions.
Police have reported a 16% increase in fire incidents in the past year, with a pattern shift in the time that the fires are reported.
According to James Apora, the Director of Police Fire and Rescue Services, in 2021, fire incidents were reported between midnight and morning hours.
In 2022, however, the incidents shifted from 1:00 am to 6:00 am, majorly “because people are continuing to do business until late in the night.”
He noted that while some of the incidents are accidental, others are the result of arson.
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