Police  probe suspected arson incidents in Wakiso and Mukono

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Police have said they are investigating two separate incidents of suspected arson reported in Wakiso and Mukono districts, both of which occurred in the early hours of Thursday (January 1).

One of them was reported in Kireka–Bira village, Nakabugo parish.

A one Mercy Natukunda reported that on New Year's Eve night (December 31), she and her husband left their home to attend overnight prayers. 

Hours later, at about 4:00am, neighbours reportedly noticed the couple's house was on fire.

"Although the fire was eventually put out, several household items, including mattresses, clothes and suitcases, were completely burnt,” said Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire.

He said the neighbour reported seeing a woman leaving the scene shortly after the fire had started, who is suspected to be known to the complainant.

“Police visited and documented the scene, recorded statements from witnesses, and a suspect was arrested to assist in the investigations. Inquiries are ongoing."

In the Mukono incident, Police received a report of suspected arson at Kitega village.

The person who complained is Ritah Namutebi. She reported that she had been away from home for several weeks and, upon returning, she briefly went out to usher in the New Year. 

"On her return, she found her house engulfed in flames, with all property destroyed. She further reported that she had previously received threats from a man known to her,” said Owoyesigyire.

Preliminary Police inquiries indicate there had been ongoing domestic disagreements.

“Police visited and documented the scene, recorded statements from the complainant and witnesses, and recovered exhibits to aid investigations. Efforts are underway to trace and interview the suspect,” said Owoyesigyire.

Police are treating both incidents as arson, and investigations are continuing.

“Further updates will be communicated as inquiries progress,” added the KMP deputy spokesperson.

Police's 2024 Annual Crime Report indicated they were 1,064 arson cases were recorded across the country and 30 deaths, which was a 10% decrease from 2023, which had seen 38 deaths in 1,792 arson incidents.

The report indicated that arson ranked as the 14th most commonly committed offence in Uganda in 2024. 

The highest number of cases was recorded in northern Uganda, where many homes are made of flammable materials such as grass-thatched roofs.