The Parish Chief of Kaliro Parish, Matovu Kiwanuka, has urged residents to refrain from encroaching on road reserves, warning that such actions hinder emergency response efforts during disasters such as fires.
His call came after a devastating fire destroyed a family home in Kakooza Cell, Lukaya Town Council, Kalungu District, in the early hours of May 30, 2025. The fire, which broke out at the residence of a man identified as Mudidi, completely razed the house, leaving nothing behind but burnt debris.
According to preliminary reports, the fire is believed to have been caused by a charcoal stove that was left with hot coals overnight. The blaze not only consumed the house but also killed all of the household’s livestock, including cattle, goats, and turkeys. Personal property worth millions were also lost in the flames.
Speaking in the aftermath of the incident, a visibly shaken Mudidi described the terrifying experience.
“We were lucky to get out alive. The flames spread so fast, and by the time we realized what was happening, everything was already gone. We have lost everything we worked for,” Mudidi stated.
Despite the enormous loss, the family survived unharmed. Neighbors and officers from Lukaya Police responded quickly and worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby houses.
However, their efforts were hampered by poor access due to homes being built head-to-head, making it difficult to reach the scene with firefighting equipment.
Kiwanuka praised both the community and the police for their swift response but emphasized the need for proper urban planning and improved fire preparedness.
“When people build or plant in road reserves, they block access for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, making it harder to respond quickly,” Kiwanuka said. “This tragedy should be a wake-up call to enforce better settlement practices and to promote fire safety within our communities.”
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and are urging residents to adopt safer practices at home, particularly in the use of charcoal stoves and other fire-related appliances.
