Police Investigate Kamwokya Fire that Killed Student

This is the second time fire gutting down houses in this same place with the first one occurring in 2021 leaving three people dead and destroying people's properties.

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Kamwokya
A team from Red Cross at the scene of crime to offer help to the victims in Kamwokya fire. Courtesy photo

The territorial police in Kampala have launched a thorough investigation to determine the cause of a fire incident that occurred in Kisenyi II zone, Kamwokya in Kampala, in the wee hour of Friday, October 25, 2024, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old Melisa Catherine Kiiza, a student at City Side School in Kyebando.

The preliminary police report indicates that the fire broke out around 1:49 AM and rapidly engulfed several makeshift structures made from timber and iron sheets, leading to the complete destruction of property in the area.

Read Also: 14 Reported Dead in Fuel Tanker Explosion near Uganda’s Capital

According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, investigators are meticulously combing through the site to collect information that could clarify how the fire started and whether any negligence contributed to the tragedy.

“Authorities are continuing to comb through the scene to ensure no additional persons remain trapped and to gather evidence. Investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the fire,” Owoyesigyire said.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police has deployed the Scene of Crime Officers to gather evidence and ensure no additional victims remain trapped in the debris.

However, this is the second time fire gutting down houses in this same place with the first one occurring in 2021 leaving three people dead and destroying people’s properties.

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, over 15 people died, more than 24 were critically injured, and property worth millions were destroyed in Kigogwa town along Bombo Road after a fuel tanker overturned and exploded.