Residents of Mpumu Village in Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council, Mukono District, are in deep shock after a horrifying night attack in which a pregnant woman and her husband were burnt to death inside their home by unknown assailants.
The victims were identified as 28-year-old Christine Nambiro, who was eight months pregnant, and her husband, 40-year-old Joseph Jolly Kabazi. The couple was reportedly asleep when the attackers surrounded their house late at night, broke a window, poured petrol inside, and set the house on fire.
According to eyewitnesses, by the time neighbours noticed the flames and rushed to help, it was too late. Zainabu Namboozo, one of the first people at the scene, said thick smoke filled the house and the fire was already spreading rapidly. She explained that the couple had screamed for help, and residents tried to break down the door, but the flames were too intense to reach them.
Another resident, Brenda Namubiru, said the fire appeared deliberate since the kitchen was located separately from the main house, ruling out the possibility of an accidental blaze.
Some villagers suspect the attack could be linked to a land dispute that has been causing tension in the community. However, others believe the growing rate of unemployment among the youth might be fueling criminal acts in the area. Resident David Kalule expressed concern, saying, “This is not the first fire here. Many young people are jobless and frustrated, and some are turning to crime.”
Village chairperson Kajubi Michael Ssalongo condemned the incident and called for a thorough police investigation. “If this is about land, then things have gone too far. We need the police to take strong action and bring the killers to justice,” he said.
The couple was rushed to Herona Community Hospital, where doctors tried to save them before referring them to Mulago National Referral Hospital. Unfortunately, both victims succumbed to their injuries before they could be transferred. Dr. Frank Mubiru from Herona Hospital said the burns were too severe for them to survive.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the case and said detectives have begun investigations. “We are treating this as a case of murder by arson. Early information shows that petrol was used to burn the victims inside the house. Our team is following several leads to find the attackers and understand their motive,” Onyango stated.
The tragedy happened not far from Salama School for the Blind, where 11 children died in a similar fire in 2022, reigniting fear among residents about rising cases of arson in the region.
Police have urged anyone with information about the attackers to come forward as the search for justice continues.