Two children killed in Kole house fire
"On her return, she found the house engulfed in flames with the children trapped inside. She raised an alarm and neighbours responded swiftly, but their efforts to rescue the children were unsuccessful,” Okema said.
Preliminary reports indicate that the fire started when the bereaved mother, Rachael Ajok, had gone to a nearby stall to buy food.
KOLE - Two children have been killed in Kole house fire moments after their mother went to the nearby market to buy food.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, Patrick Jimmy Okema, the incident occurred on the evening of April 16, 2026, at about 8:00pm in Teaboke Cell, Akwirididi Ward, Aboke Sub-county.
The victims have been identified as Melesia Amule, aged three, and Innocent Kizza, aged four.
Preliminary reports indicate that the fire started when the bereaved mother, Rachael Ajok, had gone to a nearby stall to buy food.
"On her return, she found the house engulfed in flames with the children trapped inside. She raised an alarm and neighbours responded swiftly, but their efforts to rescue the children were unsuccessful,” Okema said.
A case of suspected death by arson was subsequently registered at Aboke Sub-county Police Station and later escalated to Kole Central Police Station.
A team comprising Scene of Crime Officers and homicide detectives visited the scene, where the charred bodies of the children were recovered and handed over to relatives for burial.
Preliminary findings indicate that a local paraffin lamp, believed to have been left burning in the house, may have triggered the blaze. The lamp was recovered at the scene as part of the investigation.
Investigators also observed that immediate neighbours were not present at the time of the incident, limiting the chances of a timely rescue.
Police have since recorded statements from close family as inquiries into the exact cause of the fire continue.
Describing the incident as deeply tragic, Okema urged communities to adopt safer lighting alternatives.
“We appeal to the public to use safer sources of lighting such as solar lamps instead of open-flame devices like paraffin lamps and candles, which pose significant fire risks,” he said.
The deaths have cast a sombre mood over the quiet rural community, reigniting concerns about household safety and the dangers associated with traditional lighting methods.