Ngora, Uganda: Police in Ngora District are investigating a fire outbreak that destroyed students’ property at Mukura Union Vision Primary and Secondary School in Mukura Town Council after flames engulfed one of the learners’ hostel rooms.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the incident occurred on the morning of Sunday, May 31, 2026, at approximately 9:00 am.
Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said Mukura Police Station received information about the fire and immediately dispatched officers from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services department to the scene. The fire was successfully contained before it could spread to other sections of the school.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire originated from one of the students’ hostel rooms.
Fortunately, all students were attending morning prayers at the time of the incident, preventing any injuries or loss of life.
However, personal belongings belonging to students occupying the affected room were destroyed in the blaze.
“Officers from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services promptly responded to the scene and successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the school,” Kituuma said while addressing journalists during the weekly police press briefing at Naguru on Monday.
Faulty Charging Point Suspected
Initial investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by a mobile phone that had been left charging on a defective or loose electrical socket.
Police cautioned that the exact cause of the outbreak has not yet been established and investigations remain ongoing.
The incident adds to a growing number of fire outbreaks reported in schools and dormitories across Uganda, many of which have been linked to electrical faults and unsafe charging practices.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, electrical faults remain among the leading causes of fire outbreaks reported in institutional and residential buildings, prompting authorities to intensify public awareness campaigns on fire prevention.
Police Issue Fire Safety Advisory
Following the incident, police urged school administrators, staff and students to strengthen fire prevention measures within educational institutions.
Among the recommendations issued by police are:
- Conducting regular inspections and maintenance of electrical installations.
- Restricting unauthorized charging of electronic devices in dormitories and hostels.
- Ensuring fire extinguishers and other fire suppression equipment are available and functional.
- Conducting regular fire drills and emergency preparedness exercises.
- Strengthening supervision of students in boarding facilities.
- Engaging Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services to conduct safety audits and provide guidance on fire prevention.
Kituuma emphasized that the Uganda Police Force remains committed to promoting safety in schools and urged education institutions across the country to prioritize fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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