By Jamillah Kemigisa
Kasese – A devastating fire broke out at Hope Orphanage Nursery and Primary School in Nyamwamba West Cell, Nyamwamba Division, Kasese Municipality, leaving one pupil seriously injured and destroying students’ belongings.
According to SP Nelson Tumushime, the Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson, the fire erupted in the boys’ dormitory around 8 p.m. while students were engaged in evening discussions. Preliminary investigations suggest an electrical short circuit as the likely cause, though police have launched a full inquiry into the incident.
Local leader Moses Kataba confirmed the fire, emphasizing that while no lives were lost, one pupil sustained severe injuries. Residents, including Isaiah Thembo, reported that the inferno reduced the dormitory to ashes, leaving students without essential belongings such as clothes, books, and suitcases.
In response to the disaster, Kataba urged school proprietors to prioritize fire safety measures, including installing fire extinguishers and seeking professional technical assistance to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, SP Tumushime announced that police will conduct inspections across all schools in the Rwenzori East Region. School proprietors found lacking fire safety equipment will face legal action.
Background
Hope Orphanage Nursery and Primary School is a community-based institution dedicated to educating and sheltering vulnerable children, including orphans and those from underprivileged backgrounds in Kasese District. Despite its significant role in providing quality education, the school, like many similar institutions, struggles with infrastructural challenges, particularly inadequate fire safety measures.
This tragic incident underscores growing concerns about school safety in Uganda, particularly in boarding institutions. In recent years, multiple schools across the country have suffered fire outbreaks, often linked to electrical faults, arson, or negligence. These recurring tragedies highlight the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and their enforcement.
Authorities continue to assess the damage as investigations progress.
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