A heartbreaking fire incident in Semwogerere Zone, Bukoto 1 Parish, Nakawa Division, has claimed the life of a one-year-old girl. The fire broke out early in the morning on November 27, 2025, at around 8:00 a.m., engulfing a residential house occupied by Simon Semwogerere. Local authorities were alerted to the tragedy by the LC2 Chairperson of Semwogerere Zone, who reported that the young child, Najuma Evelyn, had suffocated inside the burning house.
Police and the Kira Road fire brigade responded quickly to the emergency. Their team managed to put out the flames, but unfortunately, the roof had collapsed, trapping the little girl inside. Preliminary findings suggest that Najuma and her four-year-old brother had been left alone in the house while their mother went to fetch water from a nearby tap.
According to reports, the four-year-old ran to inform the mother about the fire, leaving Najuma behind. By the time the mother returned, it was too late—the roof had already caved in, and the young girl had lost her life. Authorities have confirmed that there was no electricity in the house at the time, suggesting that the fire’s cause may have been accidental or due to another factor yet to be determined.
The body of the deceased has been taken to Mulago Mortuary for a postmortem examination, as police continue their investigations to establish the exact cause of the fire. The incident has shocked the local community, highlighting the dangers of leaving young children unattended, even for a short period.
Kawala Racheal, SP and Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, said the team is working tirelessly to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future. She appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and always supervise young children, especially in residential areas where fire risks are high.
Neighbors and community members have expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the incident as devastating for the family and the entire neighborhood. The four-year-old sibling, though unharmed, is reportedly traumatized after witnessing the fire unfold.
Police have assured the public that they will carry out thorough investigations to determine the cause of the fire and prevent similar tragedies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety precautions, particularly for households with young children.
