Two pupils have died, and three others sustained injuries in a dormitory fire at Hami Junior School in Wakiso District, as police investigate a separate fire that damaged Ivory Hotel in Nansana on the same day.
The fires were reported on Monday, October 19, 2026, in Kawempe and Nansana, with police investigating the causes of both incidents.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the school fire broke out at about 10:30am in the boys’ dormitory at Hami Junior School in Kagoma, Maganjo B Zone, Nabweru Division.
The deceased pupils were identified as Namusoke Lamia, eight, a Primary One pupil, and Abdu Shakul Bwete, 10, a Primary Three pupil.
Three other pupils were injured and taken to Bethel Medical Centre for first aid. They were identified as Miyingo Alcham Yusuf, 13, a Primary Seven pupil; Muyimba Hamidu, nine, a Primary Three pupil; and Kazibwe Hasadu, seven, a Primary One pupil.
The bodies of the deceased pupils were taken to the City Mortuary at Mulago for postmortem examinations.
Preliminary findings indicate that the dormitory was divided by wooden partitions and contained double- and triple-decker beds. Police said investigations were ongoing to establish what caused the fire.
Nansana hotel fire
In a separate incident, a fire broke out at Ivory Hotel in Nansana West 1B, West Ward, at about 8:15pm on Monday.
Preliminary information indicates that the fire followed intermittent power interruptions, during which sparks were reportedly observed at a transformer before flames were noticed on the hotel’s rooftop structure.
Police officers, including the Division Police Commander, Criminal Investigations Directorate personnel and scene-of-crime officers, responded alongside the Fire and Rescue team from Fire Headquarters.
The fire was extinguished, but the blaze damaged the rooftop structure, which housed staff rooms and stores, destroying property inside.
Police said the full extent of the damage had not yet been established and investigations were underway to determine the cause. Statements had been recorded from first responders, while the suspected electrical fault remained subject to investigation.
Police issue fire safety warning
Following the two incidents, Kampala Metropolitan Police urged schools, hotels, businesses, landlords and members of the public to strengthen fire prevention measures, particularly in buildings accommodating children and large numbers of people.
Owoyesigyire advised property owners to ensure electrical installations, wiring, transformers and other equipment are inspected and maintained by qualified personnel.
He also urged the public to avoid overloading sockets and extension cables, switch off unnecessary electrical appliances and ensure that buildings have accessible fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and clearly marked emergency exits.
Schools and other institutions were encouraged to conduct regular fire safety inspections and evacuation drills, while keeping corridors, doors, windows and escape routes free of obstructions.
Police further cautioned the public against attempting to fight rapidly spreading fires without proper training or equipment. Where an electrical fire is suspected, people were advised not to use water on live electrical equipment.
Members of the public were also urged to report electrical sparks, burning smells, exposed wiring and other potential fire hazards promptly.
In the event of a fire, police advised occupants to raise the alarm, evacuate to a safe location and contact the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services or the nearest police station.
Kampala Metropolitan Police expressed condolences to the families of the pupils who died at Hami Junior School and wished the injured children a speedy recovery.
Investigations into both fires are ongoing, with police saying further information would be provided as it becomes available.
