KAMPALA, Uganda – A first-year student at Kyambogo University has died after sustaining severe burns in a fire incident at his rented accommodation in Bweyogerere, Wakiso District.
The deceased has been identified as Bumba Juma, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management. He was attached to Nanziri Hall and was in his second semester at the university.
According to reports, Juma sustained critical injuries after a cooking coil reportedly exploded while he was preparing a meal in his room. The incident occurred at his rented residence in Bweyogerere, where he was staying while attending classes at the university.
He was rushed to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital for specialized treatment but later succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning.
Kyambogo University’s Guild leadership confirmed the tragic news in an official notice issued to students and staff.
“We hereby inform you of the passing on of Mr. Bumba Juma, registration number 25/U/PLE/08178/PE, a first-year, second-semester student in the Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management, attached to Nanziri Hall. Mr. Bumba Juma passed away this morning at Kiruddu Hospital, where he was admitted after being burnt in his rental in Bweyogerere town,” the statement read.
Information circulating on social media indicated that the evening student, who was reportedly residing in Kireka, suffered the injuries after a cooking coil exploded inside his room. Neighbours are said to have responded quickly to the scene and attempted to help before he was taken to hospital.
However, the exact circumstances surrounding the fire remain unclear, and by press time neither the police nor university authorities had officially confirmed the precise cause of the incident.
The death has sent shockwaves through the Kyambogo University community, with fellow students expressing grief over the loss of one of their colleagues.
In line with the university’s Student Burial Policy, Kyambogo University announced that it would meet the costs of embalming, transportation, and burial arrangements for the deceased.
Juma will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kamonkoli Kerene Village, Budaka District.
The university further noted that, in compliance with Ebola prevention guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, it would not send an official delegation to attend the burial ceremony.
The tragic incident has renewed concerns over the safety of electrical appliances commonly used by students in rented accommodations around institutions of higher learning.
