SIRONKO, UGANDA – A devastating fire has gutted Elgon Primary School in Mutufu Town Council, Sironko District, leaving a trail of destruction running into millions of shillings. Despite a swift response from police firefighters deployed from Mbale City, they could not salvage the pupils' property, which was already consumed by the inferno.
The fire, which broke out under unclear circumstances, destroyed essential school items including beds, iron sheets, books, and other valuable property, reducing them to ashes.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to our reporter suggested that the fire may have been started intentionally. Some residents pointed to the fact that the area had not had electricity for two days prior to the incident, ruling out an electrical fault.
"The fire could have been started by someone with a bad heart because power has not been on for the last two days," one eyewitness said.
Others speculated that the blaze could be politically motivated or the work of competitors, noting that this was not the first time the school had caught fire. "This isn't the first time this is catching fire. It means people of Mutufu are against development in the area," another resident lamented.
The school's security guard, Mr. Opio John, recounted the terrifying moment the fire broke out. He said he was in his office when he heard a loud explosion. By the time he rushed outside, he saw thick smoke and realized he could do nothing to stop the fast-spreading flames.
The LC1 Chairperson of Kibizi Cell, Mr. Wabende Yona, expressed shock at the incident. Speaking as the area leader, he said he was not sure what could have caused the fire, adding that the community was still trying to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, and investigations are expected to commence as the school community grapples with the significant loss.
