Police are investigating two separate cases of suspected arson reported in Wakiso and Mukono districts, both of which occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026.
According to a press statement issued on January 2, 2026, by the Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the incidents were reported under Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) North and KMP East jurisdictions.
In Wakiso District under KMP North, the arson incident occurred at Kireka–Bira village in Nakabugo Parish, Wakiso Sub-county. The complainant, identified as Natukunda Mercy, reported that she and her husband had left their home on the night of December 31, 2025, to attend overnight prayers. At around 4:00 am on January 1, neighbours noticed the house had caught fire.
Although residents managed to put out the fire, several household items, including mattresses, clothes and suitcases, were destroyed. A neighbour reportedly saw a woman leaving the scene shortly after the fire started. The woman is suspected of being known to the complainant.
Police officers visited and documented the scene, recorded statements from witnesses, and arrested a suspect to assist with investigations. Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.
In a separate incident under KMP East in Mukono District, police received a report of arson at Kitega village. The complainant, Namutebi Ritah, told police that she had been away from home for several weeks.
Upon her return, she briefly went out to usher in the New Year, but found her house engulfed in flames when she came back, with all her property destroyed.
Namutebi further reported that she had previously received threats from a man known to her, with preliminary inquiries indicating there had been ongoing domestic disagreements.
Police visited and documented the scene, recorded statements from the complainant and witnesses, and recovered exhibits to aid investigations. Efforts are underway to trace and interview the suspect.
Police say both incidents are being treated as arson cases and investigations are continuing. Authorities have assured the public that further updates will be communicated as inquiries progress.
