3-yr-old burnt to death after being locked in hut

Residents of Ayuda village in Karuma, Diima Parish in Mutunda Sub County, Kiryandongo district were left in shock after a three-year-old child was burnt to death in a grass thatched house on Monday morning.

Joseph Oryem, the uncle of deceased child identified as Given Omara, said that by the time the fire started, Jennifer Auma the aunt of the child had gone to fetch water about 500 metres away.

Oryem narrated that Auma left the deceased in the house at around 6am which she also locked and left a candle burning.

The kid was found dead close to the door, a sign that he tried in vain to open the door.

Oryem however expressed fears that water shortage has become rampant due to the influx of people in Karuma.

Kiryandongo District Police Commander, Bernard Katwalo, said Police is investigating the matter.

He cautioned the public against leaving children alone at home with candles and charcoal stoves burning inside the house.