Nansana Landlady Dies in House Fire with Two Tenants, Allegedly Due to Debt

Tragedy struck in Nansana West Ward on Monday morning when a fire engulfed a residential building, resulting in the deaths of three people. The landlady, identified as Violet Nanyombi, is among the deceased, along with two tenants, Annet Namulondo and her husband, Isabirye Bumali.

The fire reportedly began around 2 am in the structure, which had been divided into six rental units. Preliminary reports suggest Nanyombi may have deliberately set the building ablaze.

Sources indicate that Nanyombi led her nine-year-old daughter out of the house shortly before the fire erupted. She provided the child with money for school fees and a note, which appeared to be a will detailing who should care for the child and manage her property.

The will reportedly mentioned a significant daily loan repayment, though the source of the loan was not specified. Village chairperson George Mukiibi described Nanyombi as a private individual, and the exact motivations behind the incident remain unclear.

However, Nansana Municipality Mayor Sam Mugabi suggested that Nanyombi was under immense pressure from moneylenders. He stated that she had been receiving constant calls from lenders the day before the incident, highlighting the potential stress that could lead to such desperate actions.

Mugabi urged the community to be more vigilant and supportive of individuals experiencing distress, encouraging them to seek help from local leaders or religious figures.

Kampala Metropolitan Regional Police commander SSP Moses Nanoka emphasized the need for improved neighbourhood security and prompt reporting to the police. He noted that earlier communication could have potentially saved lives and that homicide teams are investigating the scene to determine the precise cause of the fire and recover any further victims.

Nanoka also advised residents to maintain contact information for local police and reinforce neighbourhood watch programs.

This incident follows a separate, disturbing event in Bunga, Makindye Division, several months prior, where a woman tragically killed her two children and injured three others before attempting to set her house on fire.

https://observer.ug/news/three-killed-as-indebted-nansana-landlady-sets-house-on-fire