A massive fire has gutted Sunrise Hotel along Khamis Road in downtown Kampala, leaving several people injured and others feared dead.
Numerous Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as thick smoke and flames immersed the multi-story city hotel, forcing some occupants to escape through windows in a desperate attempt to save their lives. Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and medical teams, rushed to the scene as crowds gathered nearby.
“We saw people crying for help. Some jumped from the upper floors to escape the flames,” Yonah Mugabe said,” an eyewitness.
Although the fire spread very first and many were trapped inside, the authorities have not yet established the cause of the fire.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Mr Patrick Onyango said that the fire broke out on the ground floor around 10:00 a.m., filling corridors and rooms with thick smoke and hindering evacuation efforts.
“Emergency responders swiftly intervened, deploying six fire trucks with firefighters, Four 999 Patrol Cars to support firefighters, Territorial police and ambulances and Red Cross ambulances to save the situation,” Mr Onyango noted.
He (Onyango) noted that one male adult, approximately 45 years old, was found deceased.
Properties worth billions of Shillings were destroyed. The operation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided accordingly.
Previous cases
This incident adds to a growing list of fires in Uganda, many of which have resulted in loss of life and property.
In 2023, a devastating fire at a school dormitory in Mukono claimed the lives of at least 11 students, sparking concerns over fire safety in public buildings.
In 2024, a fire at Park Yard Market in downtown Kampala destroyed businesses and livelihoods, with traders losing millions in property.
Several commercial buildings, including arcades and hotels, have also fallen victim to fires, often attributed to electrical faults, poor safety standards, and delayed emergency response.
Despite repeated calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations, many structures in Uganda remain vulnerable to such disasters.
Authorities have urged building owners to install fire suppression systems and conduct regular safety drills to prevent similar tragedies