Soroti man loses property in fire

PIC: Residents carrying water to stop the fire. (Credit: Abraham Elapu)

FIRE

SOROTI- The grass-thatched house belonging to Richard Esupu, 45, of Oderai village, Soroti sub-county in Soroti district, was burnt at 6:00pm.

According to Esupu, items that were burnt include beddings, household property and unspecified amount of cash.

Esupu said his brother Martin Ewonga could have set his house on fire under the influence of alcohol.

But Ewonga said he has been requesting Esupu and his family to leave the plot is claiming to be his but he never complied.

Janet Apecho, the LC1 chairperson of Oderai attributed the incident to land wrangles which locals have failed to settle amicably.

She urged residents to use clan and religious leaders in solving issues of any conflict.

Meanwhile, Michael Odongo, the spokesperson for east Kyoga, said Ewonga who is suspected to have committed arson, has been arrested and detained at Soroti central station and will be charged with arson.