SIRONKO .
Police are investigating a devastating fire ravaged a boys’ dormitory and classroom at Elgon Junior Christian School in Mutufu Town Council, Sironko District on Wednesday evening, destroying property worth millions of shillings.
The affected school is one of the largest private primary school in the district.
Pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community were left in shock as the fire tore through the walls of the school structures.
The affected dormitory was a permanent block constructed after a previous fire incident, with support from Sironko District Woman MP-elect Asha Nabulo Mafabi in partnership with Volunteers of Time to Help Netherlands through the Nile Humanitarian Development Agency.
According to eyewitnesses, the dormitory was completely destroyed, with all property inside reduced to ashes. Items lost include scholastic materials, clothes, and beddings.
Mr Henry Yona Wambede, the LC1 Chairman of Kibizi Cell in Central Ward, Mutufu Town Council, told this publication that the fire broke out at around 3pm.
“By the time the fire started four children were inside the dormitory but they were safely rescued,” said Mr Wambede.
Mr Wambede noted that the area had experienced a power outage for two days prior to the incident, making it difficult to immediately determine the exact cause of the fire.
Mr Joel Wadada, a teacher at the school, explained that most pupils were still in classes when the fire started, which helped prevent casualties.
“But all their personal belongings in the dormitory were completely destroyed,” he said.
Speaking to this publication, Mr Simon Woniala, a parent claimed there were signs that someone may have accessed the building from behind before setting it on fire.
Ms Stella Nambozo, a resident expressed concern over the repeated loss of property at the same school, before appealing to the government for support.
The Elgon Regional Police Spokesperson, Rogers Taitika said they are investigating the cause of the fire.
The Annual Crime Report 2024 released by the Uganda Police Force in February 2025 highlights a concerning trend in school safety, noting a 9 percent increase in school fire incidents over the previous year.
There were 55 recorded cases of school fires in 2024, up from 50 cases in 2023.
Overall fire outbreaks across all sectors increased by 13.8 per cent, totaling 1,280 incidents nationwide.
