A fierce fire tore through the girls’ dormitory at Love and Mercy Primary School in Namisindwa District on Friday night, destroying property valued at millions of shillings.
The incident occurred around 9:00 PM on April 25, 2025, just a few hours after students had departed for their holiday break.
Authorities reported that mattresses, beds, and personal belongings for more than 50 girls were completely destroyed. The school, situated in Mission Cell, Lwakhakha Town Council, was left grappling with the aftermath. Police officers and local residents initially battled the flames using makeshift tools before the fire brigade arrived.
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“Police acted swiftly and, with the help of the community, managed to extinguish the fire. By the time the fire engine got to the school, the blaze had already been put out,” said Mr. Richard Richman, the District Police Commander for Namisindwa.
Preliminary investigations point to an illegal electrical connection between the school and the neighboring Holy Ghost Church, a Born-Again Christian congregation, as the likely cause of the fire.
“We believe the fire stemmed from an unauthorized electricity link to the church. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full facts and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” stated Mr. Rogers Taitika, police spokesperson for the Elgon Region.
Mr. Joshua Murefu, the school’s director, expressed gratitude that no students were injured. “While the destruction of property is heartbreaking, we are thankful that no lives were lost, as the children had already left for home,” he said. The tragedy has left the school community deeply shaken.
This incident comes shortly after a tragic fire earlier in April that killed three students from St. Denis Primary School. The blaze, which broke out at about 10:30 PM at a residence owned by businessman Mr. Sam Simiyu in the Bugisu Sub-region, claimed the lives of Aaron Wekesa, 16, Abdul Swarik, 17, and Sikuku Asuman, 16. One survivor, Mukhwana Junior, 15, was rescued from the scene.
According to the latest police crime report, Uganda recorded a 13.8% rise in fire incidents in 2024, with electrical faults cited as a leading cause. The Elgon region alone reported 11 fire cases last year. The report also noted a 9% increase in school fires, rising from 50 cases in 2023 to 55 in 2024.
Police continue to warn against illegal electricity connections, emphasizing the significant risk they pose to both lives and property.
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