By Edward Byamukama
A fire gutted the dormitory of Hoima Town Mosque Nursery and Primary School along Old Tooro Road in Hoima city on Tuesday morning, causing extensive property damage worth millions of shillings.
The blaze broke out at around 11am while pupils were attending lessons, leaving dozens of students in tears after losing their personal belongings. Items such as books, mattresses, and clothes were completely destroyed.
A teacher at the school, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, said they first heard a loud blast from the dormitory, followed by large flames.
They quickly alerted the police fire and rescue team, which responded promptly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further. Carolyne Nyamahunge, the Inspector of Schools for Hoima City, said they are awaiting a detailed report from the police fire brigade on the cause of the fire.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region police spokesperson, confirmed that investigations into the fire have begun and reassured the public that no lives were lost.
This is not the first time the school has suffered such a loss. In 2023, a fire destroyed the boys’ dormitory, causing similar damage to property worth millions. That fire started around 5 p.m. while pupils were still on the premises.
The previous blaze also affected several shops along Old Tooro Road sharing premises with the school dormitory. Among the shops damaged were Kajez Boutique, Kaba Shoe Center, Kalidez Master Fashions, and Julie’s Shoe Center.
