On the morning of July 31, 2025, a tragic fire broke out in a residential house in Kirokole Zone, Kawempe Division, Kampala. The house was occupied by six family members, including four children and two adults. The family belongs to Ssenyonga Gerald, a boda boda cyclist who works mostly at night. The fire started around 11 a.m., and its exact cause is still under investigation.
Reports indicate that the family was cooking using a charcoal stove inside a single room where a motorcycle was also parked. This close setup might have contributed to the fire, but officials are yet to confirm the exact cause. Sadly, the fire claimed the lives of three young girls from the family. The remaining family members—Ssenyonga Gerald, his wife, and one child—were rushed to Kirudu Hospital for urgent medical care.
The fire brigade responded quickly and managed to put out the fire before it spread further. However, the flames caused severe damage, destroying all the household property. Police officers arrived at the scene and began investigations by recording statements from neighbors who witnessed the incident. Forensic experts collected samples to help determine what started the fire.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers of cooking indoors without proper safety measures, especially when flammable materials like motorcycles are nearby. The community mourns the loss of the young lives and hopes for support for the injured family. Police continue to investigate, seeking answers and ways to prevent such tragedies in the future.
