By Our Reporter
A devastating fire at Sunrise Hotel on Khamis Road in downtown Kampala has claimed at least three lives, with several others injured in the chaos. As emergency responders continue rescue efforts, authorities warn that the death toll may rise while investigations into the cause of the inferno remain ongoing.
The fire, which broke out on Wednesday mid-morning, quickly engulfed the multi-story building, forcing some trapped occupants to jump from upper floors to escape the raging flames. Thick smoke billowed through the structure, as screams for help filled the air.
“We saw people jumping to save their lives. The fire spread very fast, trapping many inside,” an eyewitness recounted.
Rescue teams, including firefighters, police, and medical personnel, rushed to the scene, battling the inferno while searching for survivors. Eyewitnesses speculated that the fire may have originated from a soap-making outlet inside the building, as an explosion was reportedly heard moments before the fire erupted.
A Pattern of Deadly Fires
The Sunrise Hotel fire is the latest in a series of devastating blazes that have raised serious concerns about fire safety in Uganda. The country has witnessed a troubling increase in deadly fires, often linked to electrical faults, poor safety standards, and slow emergency response times.
- In 2023, a tragic school dormitory fire in Mukono claimed the lives of at least 11 students, prompting calls for stricter fire safety measures.
- In late 2024, the Park Yard Market fire in downtown Kampala left traders counting millions in losses after a massive blaze destroyed their businesses.
- Several commercial buildings, including arcades and hotels, have also been ravaged by fires, exposing weak safety enforcement and lack of preparedness.
Despite repeated warnings from safety experts, many buildings in Uganda remain ill-equipped to handle fire emergencies. Key issues include:
✔ Lack of fire suppression systems such as sprinklers and extinguishers.
✔ Poorly maintained electrical wiring, a common cause of building fires.
✔ Limited enforcement of fire safety regulations, leaving businesses and residential structures vulnerable.
✔ Slow emergency response times, often worsening fire tragedies.
Authorities have urged building owners to invest in fire safety measures and conduct regular safety drills to prevent similar disasters.
Meanwhile, the cause of the Sunrise Hotel fire remains under investigation, with officials expected to release updates on casualties and possible safety violations.
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of Uganda’s fire safety crisis, highlighting the urgent need for stronger regulations, better preparedness, and faster emergency response to prevent further loss of life and property.
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