Police in the North West Nile region have intervened to contain a devastating fire outbreak that swept through Yumbe District this afternoon, leaving multiple families homeless.
According to authorities, the fire broke out in Yumbe Central Ward, Yumbe Town Council, destroying 19 grass-thatched houses and reducing property worth millions of shillings to ashes. The incident has left many residents stranded, with no immediate shelter or resources to rebuild their lives.
Superintendent of Police Ignatius Dragudu, the North West Nile region police public relations officer, confirmed the incident, stating, “Police are at the scene to contain the fire outbreak, but we are yet to ascertain what could have triggered it. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause.”
A Call for Immediate Relief Support
Yumbe District Council Speaker Kassim Asiku said local leaders have notified all stakeholders in the area to intervene and provide emergency relief to the affected households.
“As a district, we have alerted all concerned stakeholders as part of our efforts to ensure the affected families receive immediate assistance while investigations continue,” Asiku stated.
Community members and humanitarian organizations have been urged to come forward with food, clothing, and temporary shelters for those displaced by the fire.
Uganda’s Prolonged Dry Season Increases Fire Risks
Fire outbreaks have become increasingly common in the West Nile sub-region, especially during the prolonged dry season.
Uganda has experienced an extreme heatwave since December, with little to no rainfall across several districts. The dry conditions have left many areas vulnerable to wildfires, which spread rapidly due to the parched vegetation and strong winds.
Local farmers have also suffered massive losses as crops withered under the scorching sun, worsening food insecurity in already vulnerable communities.
Climate experts warn that the extended dry spell, possibly linked to global climate change, has intensified the risk of uncontrolled fires in both urban and rural areas.
Authorities are now urging residents to take extra precautions, including safely managing open flames, avoiding bush burning, and keeping fire-extinguishing materials nearby.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on assisting the victims of the Yumbe fire and preventing further tragedies caused by Uganda’s relentless dry season.
