Kampala police report calm holiday season despite Kitende house fire

KAMPALA, Uganda — Kampala Metropolitan Police reported a generally calm holiday season across the capital area, though a residential fire in Kitende destroyed a home early Dec. 26.

The fire broke out in a six-room house in Kajjansi Town Council during the early hours of Boxing Day. According to police, nine occupants managed to escape the building without injury. While the exact cause is still under investigation, preliminary findings suggest an electrical fault may be responsible.

Aside from the blaze, Deputy Public Relations Officer Luke Owoyesigyire said Christmas and Boxing Day were well managed with no major incidents. Crime and accident levels were significantly lower than in previous years, he said.

Large crowds gathered for festivities at several locations, including Victoria Mall and Imperial Resort Beach Hotel. Owoyesigyire said these events concluded peacefully under the supervision of police and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.

While the metropolitan area remained largely stable, officials recorded one fatal road accident and several minor collisions. Security forces also arrested several suspected phone snatchers, including a known criminal from the Kisenyi area.

Police stated they remain on high alert as the festive season continues toward New Year celebrations.