The police are currently looking into the cause of a fire that destroyed a dormitory at St. Theresa Kisubi Girls Primary School in Entebbe on October 25, 2023. According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the fire originated in the Primary Four dormitory and was reported to the police at 8 a.m. Fortunately, due to the prompt response from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services, the fire was contained and extinguished.
Mr. Owoyesigyire stated that the exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, and a dedicated team of investigators is diligently working to uncover the circumstances leading to the incident. Their primary objective is to determine the precise cause and ensure the safety and security of educational institutions.
Although the fire caused extensive damage to the dormitory, there were no injuries or loss of life reported. The school’s head teacher, Rev. Sr. Maria Josephine Namubiru, attributed the fire to lightning striking the dormitory during a heavy downpour while the girls were in class. Staff members and laborers on-site made efforts to extinguish the fire using water, sand, and fire extinguishers located around the school’s premises.
Sr. Namubiru confirmed that police arrived after the fire had already been extinguished, and all students and staff were unharmed. However, the fire resulted in the destruction of all the property within the dormitory. Affected students have received counseling to help them cope with the incident.
Matia Lwanga Bwanika, the Wakiso District chairperson, emphasized the need for parents to collaborate with the school administration to support the students in recovering from the trauma of the fire incident. He expressed gratitude that the fire occurred while the students were in class, and he urged parents to be patient and understanding. He also highlighted the school’s trusted reputation due to its leadership by religious authorities.
It’s worth noting that the Uganda Police’s 2021 Annual Crime Report indicates a 23.9% increase in fire emergencies handled in 2021 compared to 2020. These incidents were primarily attributed to negligence, electrical short circuits, charcoal stoves, and unattended candles or lamps, among other causes.
