Education
Schools told to familiarise learners and staff with escape routes after deadly Kagoma dorm fire
The call follows a dormitory fire at Hami Junior School in Kagoma, Wakiso District, early Monday that claimed the lives of two pupils and injured others, as well as a separate fire that damaged part of Ivory Hotel in Nansana later that evening.
The Police at Hami Junior School in Kagoma, Wakiso district following the death of two pupils in an early morning dormitory fire on October 19, 2026. (Credit: Baker Wasswa Ssentongo)
By: Paul Kiwuuwa, Journalist @New Vision
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The Police have urged school administrators to familiarize learners and staff with escape routes as well as keep emergency exits free of obstructions.
The clarion call comes in the wake of a dormitory fire at Hami Junior School in Kagoma, Wakiso District, early Monday, in which two pupils died, and others got injured.
The fire is believed to have broken out at around 4:30am.
It claimed the lives of eight-year-old Lamia Namusoke (Primary One) and 10-year-old Abdu Shakul Bwete (Primary Three).
The other pupils injured were admitted at Bethel Medical Centre for emergency care while the bodies of the victims were taken to the City Mortuary at Mulago for post-mortem examination.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the early morning fire.
Following the incident, Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire urged schools to also conduct regular fire-safety inspections and evacuation drills.
It was call to not only schools, but also businesses, landlords and members of the public in general.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the early morning fire.
Following the incident, Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire urged schools to also conduct regular fire-safety inspections and evacuation drills.
It was call to not only schools, but also businesses, landlords and members of the public in general.
He advised property owners to ensure that electrical installations are properly insulated, wiring is handled by qualified personnel, and electrical equipment is inspected regularly.
Owoyesigyire also cautioned the public against overloading sockets and extension cables, further advising people to switch off electrical appliances when they are not in use.
In another incident on Monday evening, fire damaged the rooftop section of Ivory Hotel in Nansana, Wakiso district.
Preliminary information indicated that the area had experienced intermittent power interruptions. Sparks were reportedly seen at a transformer before flames were noticed on the hotel's rooftop.
The affected rooftop structure housed staff rooms and stores. Property was destroyed in the fire that is said to have started at around 8pm, although Police said the full extent of the damage had not been established.
Statements were recorded from first responders, with the Police saying the suspected electrical cause remained subject to investigation.
Owoyesigyire also cautioned the public against overloading sockets and extension cables, further advising people to switch off electrical appliances when they are not in use.
In another incident on Monday evening, fire damaged the rooftop section of Ivory Hotel in Nansana, Wakiso district.
Preliminary information indicated that the area had experienced intermittent power interruptions. Sparks were reportedly seen at a transformer before flames were noticed on the hotel's rooftop.
The affected rooftop structure housed staff rooms and stores. Property was destroyed in the fire that is said to have started at around 8pm, although Police said the full extent of the damage had not been established.
Statements were recorded from first responders, with the Police saying the suspected electrical cause remained subject to investigation.