A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, 29th May 2025, when a fierce fire tore through a family home in Bukasa, Kirinya, located in Bweyogerere, Wakiso District.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the fire claimed the lives of six members of the same family, leaving a trail of sorrow in its wake.
Owoyesigyire reported that the blaze was first detected at approximately 3:00 AM, when neighbors were startled by a loud explosion emanating from the residence of Fred Ssekabila, aged 45. Alarmed by the blast, community members rushed to the scene in a desperate attempt to assist, but were met with flames that had already consumed the structure, making any rescue efforts perilous and nearly impossible.
Emergency services were promptly alerted. The Fire Prevention and Rescue Services team arrived swiftly and managed to contain the inferno, preventing its spread to nearby homes. Upon extinguishing the blaze, investigators were ushered to the scene to begin a thorough examination of the aftermath.
In the smoldering ruins, the bodies of six individuals were discovered. The victims have been formally identified as Winniefred Gonja, the mother; her children Gloria Nabuya, 20; Peace Nakakira, 16; Helena Nakamya, 9; Briyan Nebula, 7; and their father Fred Ssekabila, 45.
Owoyesigyire confirmed that all bodies were transported to City Mortuary Mulago for postmortem examinations to aid the ongoing investigation. “While the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined,” he stated, “preliminary findings, including statements from Ssekabila’s close acquaintances, indicate he may have been showing signs of suicidal tendencies.”
He further emphasized that this line of inquiry is still under investigation and has yet to be conclusively verified.
“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the entire community affected by this tragedy,” Owoyesigyire said. “Our team is committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding this horrific incident, and we will provide further updates as new information becomes available.”
