Tragic Fire takes Lives of Family in Buyende

The authorities in Buyende District are currently probing a tragic fire incident that claimed the lives of Ssendi Patrick, a businessman, along with his wife and two grandchildren from the same family. The blaze also resulted in the destruction of property valued at an unspecified amount, reduced to ashes.

Ssendi, aged 67, his wife Mukyala Jesca, aged 64, along with their grandchildren Senguko Peter, aged 3, and Namu Shalom, aged 1, perished in the fire at Kiga Landing Site, Buyanja ‘A’ Village, Buyanja Sub-County in Buyende district. The incident occurred on Friday, May 24, 2024, around 7:30 pm. Initial inquiries indicate that while William visited Ssendi’s residence to purchase fuel for a boat engine, some fuel spilled near the entrance where a charcoal stove with a kettle was situated.

Their daughter, identified as Nantongo Damalie, aged 20, granddaughter Namyalo Bridge, aged 9, and William, aged 17, managed to escape but sustained injuries. Despite Namyalo’s attempts to rescue her family members, the situation worsened when the fuel containers ignited upon her intervention.

A team of detectives from Buyende CPS visited the scene, examined the bodies, and released them for burial, pending further investigation. Kasadha Michael, the spokesperson for Busoga North police, confirmed the incident and urged those involved in the fuel trade to adhere to legal practices and ensure safe storage to prevent such tragedies.