Fire has gutted Kyambura Game Lodge in Kicwamba sub-county in Rubirizi district. The fire is said to have started from the nearby Queen Elizabeth national park before spreading to the cottages in Kyambura Game lodge on Wednesday evening.
The lodge was perched just above Kyambura Gorge, also known as the Valley of Apes’.
The fire spread fast to the lodge because of the thicket that was preserved to maintain a natural environment. The lodge is separated from the park by Kyambura gorge.
Kyambura Game lodge has been a popular destination for tourists because of its strategic location and eco-friendly nature. The lodge belongs to local businessman, Robert Byakutaga. Lydia Byakutaga, the wife of the proprietor of the lodge said that ‘everything was reduced to ash’.
According to staff, the fire gutted 8 cottages, a bar, restaurant, laundry and the reception. The workers attempted to put out the fire using water and sand in vain.
Sylvia Musiimenta, a worker at the lodge told URN that game park officials usually burn pasture to allow regrowth.
Ahmed Hasunira, the Rubirizi District Police Commander confirmed the destruction, saying they were yet to record a statement from the proprietor of the lodge. Rubirizi District Police relies on fire brigade services at the Greater Bushenyi Police headquarters in Bushenyi district.