Fire has destroyed the senior three boys’ dormitory at Kakungulu Memorial School Kibuli, which housed 52 students. The blaze broke out around 12:50 am as students were preparing for bed, according to the Fire and Rescue Service. Fortunately, preliminary assessments indicate that only one student suffered minor injuries during the evacuation.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, confirmed that the Police Fire and Rescue team responded swiftly to the fire, preventing further escalation. “Their prompt action ensured the safety of the students, with only one reported minor injury during evacuation. Thankfully, most students were already out of the dormitory when the fire broke out, minimizing harm. The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” Owoyesigyire said.
The 2024 National Building Review Board report highlighted fire safety standards in Ugandan educational institutions, revealing a concerning lack of compliance with established fire safety measures. According to the report, dormitories are particularly vulnerable to fire outbreaks, often with catastrophic consequences. The most severe incidents usually occur at night when learners are asleep, disproportionately affecting younger pupils under 10 years old and those with special needs.
The 2023 annual crime report indicated that there were 61 recorded fire outbreaks in schools, an increase from 55 reported in 2022. These tragic incidents resulted in the deaths of at least 64 individuals in 2023 alone, affecting educational institutions at all levels across the country.
