news 19 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Kumi Businessman Perishes in Blaze After Rescuing Infant
Steven Jaali, a 28-year-old trader in Kumi district, heroically saved his six-month-old baby from a house fire but died when he returned for his business money. Police say the fire ignited from a solar battery exploding during phone charging. Source: https://observer.ug/news/kumi-trader-dies-in-fire-after-saving-six-month-old-baby
A tragic fire in Kanyumu town council, Kumi district, claimed the life of 28-year-old businessman Steven Jaali. The blaze erupted while he charged a mobile phone battery directly from a solar battery, which burst into flames and spread rapidly.
In a heroic move, Jaali first dashed back into the inferno to rescue his six-month-old baby, ensuring the child’s safety. Tragically, he re-entered the burning house to retrieve cash from his business and became trapped.
The incident was reported to Kanyumu police post by town mayor Faustine Opit. Jaali’s body was conveyed to Atutur hospital mortuary for postmortem.
South Kyoga police spokesperson Stephen Mukombe urged the public to avoid unsafe practices with solar equipment and other fire hazards to prevent such losses.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)