Property worth millions of shillings was destroyed after a fire gutted the girls’ dormitory at Mercy and Love Primary School in Lwakhakha town council, Namisindwa district, on Sunday night.
The fire, which started around 9:00 pm, destroyed mattresses, beds, and suitcases. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as students had already broken off for the holidays.
According to Rogers Taitika, Elgon Region police spokesperson, the fire was reported to Lwakhakha police station by the school’s security guard, Charlise Wairwa.
Officers from the Mbale police fire and rescue department, local police, and community members worked together to contain the blaze.
Preliminary investigations suggest an illegal electricity connection as the likely cause, with wires reportedly tapped from a neighbouring power pole sparking the fire. Taitika noted that the dormitory was closed at the time, which helped prevent any injuries among pupils.