UGANDA, Soroti | Real Muloodi News | Authorities in Soroti City are investigating the circumstances surrounding a house fire that resulted in the deaths of two siblings. The incident occurred in Owolo cell, Otatai Ward, Soroti City East Division.
The acting police spokesperson for East Kyoga, Edison Obukulem, identified the deceased as Joshua Ewangu, 10, and Gabriela Ibiara, 5.
The children were the offspring of William Edumu, a teacher at Achongwen Primary School in Kaberamaido District.
According to police, the mother had reportedly locked the children in the house before leaving to work in the garden. When she returned, she was met with smoke emanating from the house.
She immediately called for help, but upon breaking into the house, it was already engulfed in flames and the children had suffocated.
The children were rushed to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital in an attempt to save their lives, but they were pronounced dead. Their bodies are currently at the hospital’s mortuary pending postmortem.
The police spokesperson noted that it was customary for the mother to lock the children in the house when she went to work in the garden.
A neighbour, Emmanuel Etida, mentioned seeing the smoke but dismissed it initially, thinking someone was cooking.
Edward Enangu, the chairperson of the Ikaribwok Idukurun clan, stated that the cause of the fire is still unclear, although a matchbox was found at the doorway.
He added that the parents of the deceased and some neighbours were at the police station providing statements, while clan members stayed back to organize the burial.
“If police matters are resolved today, burial arrangements will take place tomorrow.” Mr Enangu added.
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