Gulu District, Uganda: Shock and sorrow gripped residents of Anyadwe Village in Patiko Sub-county after a midnight fire razed teachers’ quarters at Regent Nursery and Primary School on Friday morning, leaving the head teacher and another staff member homeless.
The fire, which broke out at around 1:00 am on Friday, destroyed two grass-thatched houses belonging to Ms Acen Brenda, the head teacher, and a teacher identified only as Michelle. Nothing was salvaged from the burning structures.
Speaking to DailyExpress, Ms Acen recounted the terrifying moment she realised her home was on fire. “I woke up to a strong smell of smoke. At first, I thought it was coming from outside,” she said.
“When I opened the door, I saw flames already spreading across the roof. That is when I knew we were in danger.”
She said she initially attempted to retrieve important documents and personal belongings, but the flames spread too quickly. “I tried to go back inside for my certificates and some clothes, but the heat was too much. Within minutes, everything was gone,” she added.
Michelle described the ordeal as traumatising.
“I just heard people shouting my name,” she said. “By the time I stepped out, my house was already burning. I could not save even a single item.”
Property Worth Millions Lost
Local leaders said the teachers lost foodstuffs, professional certificates, clothing, bedding and other household property worth millions of shillings.
LC III Chairperson of Patiko Sub-county, Komakech Patrick, confirmed that the head teacher was alerted by smoke before discovering that another hut was also on fire.
“She was woken up by the smell of smoke and rushed outside to save her belongings. It was then that she realized the other teacher’s house was also on fire. Unfortunately, nothing was saved,” Komakech said.
He condemned the incident and warned that anyone found responsible would face the law.
Police in Gulu District confirmed the incident and said a case of suspected arson has been registered. “Our officers visited the scene, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause,” a police source said.
The incident has sparked renewed concern about the safety of teachers living in grass-thatched houses, which are highly vulnerable to fire outbreaks.
Community Calls for Support
Residents of Anyadwe Village have appealed for urgent assistance to help the displaced teachers rebuild their lives. “These teachers serve our children every day. It is painful to see them left without shelter,” one resident said.
As investigations continue, Ms Acen said her immediate priority is securing temporary accommodation and replacing essential documents. “I have dedicated my life to teaching. Now I do not even have a roof over my head. I just pray for support and justice,” she said.
The tragedy has not only left two educators homeless but also highlighted the vulnerability of teachers’ housing in rural communities across Gulu District.
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