At least six people, including five Kyambogo University students, were seriously injured following a gas explosion at a hostel in Banda, Nakawa Division, Kampala, on Monday night.
The blast occurred on the ground floor of the three-storey Sports Pro Hostel after a student is believed to have lit a faulty cooking gas cylinder inside her room. The explosion shattered glass windows, tore doors from their frames, and left multiple residents and bystanders hurt.
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Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the incident, saying fire and rescue teams had quickly moved in to contain the situation.
“Several victims were transferred to Naguru and Mulago hospitals for treatment. The level of damage was significant,” Mr Onyango told reporters.
Among those most badly affected was the hostel’s security guard, identified only as Frank, who was first treated at a nearby clinic before being referred to Naguru Hospital. Five students were also admitted, including Flavia Chelangat and Florence Akello, while police were still working to verify the identities of the others.
Investigators have linked the blast to a defective gas cylinder. Authorities have since appealed to the public to follow proper safety measures when handling gas in homes and hostels.
“The cause has been confirmed as a gas cylinder, and we remind the public to exercise extreme caution when using such appliances,” Mr Onyango added.
Police have sealed off the hostel as inquiries continue.
Gas use has been rising in Uganda as an affordable and convenient alternative to charcoal and firewood. However, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development acknowledges that regulation of the sector remains weak and says new safety standards are being developed to reduce such risks.
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