UGANDA, Wakiso | Real Muloodi News | A devastating incident occurred in Namulanda B Zone, Kajjansi Town Council – Wakiso District, resulting in the tragic deaths of six children in a house fire during the early moring hours of Wednesday 15th May, 2024.
Kampala Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire that claimed the young lives.
Kajjansi Town Council Mayor, Mr Al Bashir Kayondo, revealed that the fire broke out around 1:30 am, leaving little time for rescue efforts.
Despite prompt responses from residents and the police fire brigade, the accessibility challenges posed a significant obstacle to saving the children trapped inside the residence.
Kayondo emphasised the importance of adhering to building regulations outlined in the Building Control Act, stressing the need for adequate spacing between residences to facilitate emergency access.
He remarked, “If people had access to that residence, we believe we could have been able to rescue some of these children, but because some of these buildings were constructed when this place was still a sub-county status, they aren’t planned well.”
Area councillor, Mr. Joseph Ssemwogerere, recounted the immediate response of residents upon learning of the fire, with efforts to extinguish the flames underway before the arrival of the police.
However, despite their combined efforts, the blaze claimed the lives of the children.
According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, the victims ranged in age from two to 16 years old.
The fire reportedly originated from an electronic kettle left unattended in the sitting room, connected to a socket.
“While initial observations suggest that the fire originated from an electronic kettle connected to a socket and left in the sitting room unattended,” Owoyesigyire stated, “further inquiries will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the fire.”
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