news 20 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Two Pupils Perish in Dormitory Fire at Wakiso School; Officials Investigate Electrical Faults
A tragic dormitory fire at Hami Junior School in Wakiso District has claimed the lives of two young pupils and left three others injured. The incident, which occurred late Monday night, has sparked concerns about school safety standards and the potential role of erratic power supply. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/two-pupils-dead-three-injured-in-night-fire-at-wakiso-school-5638908
Tragedy struck Hami Junior School in Maganjo B Zone, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, on Monday night when a dormitory fire resulted in the deaths of two pupils and injuries to three others. The blaze reportedly broke out around 10:30 PM in the boys’ dormitory, prompting a swift but challenging rescue operation.
Victims Rania Namusoke, 8, and Abdulshakur Bwete, 10, were tragically found deceased in their beds. Three other students, Yusuf Miyingo Alcham, Hamidu Muyimba, and Hasadu Kazibwe, sustained injuries and were rushed to Bethel Medical Centre for treatment.
Local leaders and residents, alongside police officers, worked through the night to evacuate students. Chairperson of Maganjo B Cell, John Kiwanuka, described the scene, noting that the bodies were discovered during a search of the dormitories after the fire was finally extinguished around 3:00 AM Tuesday.
While official investigations are underway, suspicion among the community points towards an electrical fault. Frequent power fluctuations in the area are being cited as a potential cause for short circuits. Nansana Municipality MP Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa has voiced concerns about the unreliable electricity supply, stating that local security officials believe it was the cause of the fire.
The incident occurred on the same night another fire gutted the rooftop of Ivory Hotel in Nansana, raising broader concerns about fire safety and electrical infrastructure. Police have cordoned off the school premises as scene-of-crime officers conduct their investigations.
Authorities are urging property owners and institutions to prioritize fire safety measures, including regular electrical inspections, proper management of potential hazards, and the installation of fire prevention equipment. As investigations continue, police are expected to release a detailed report on the cause of the dormitory fire.