KAMDINI, OYAM DISTRICT – The Territorial Police in North Kyoga Region are investigating a devastating fire that destroyed nine business kiosks in Kamdini Town Council on Saturday afternoon, with preliminary information pointing to a suspected illegal electricity connection as the possible cause.
The incident, which occurred at about 2:30 PM on January 24, 2026, in Township Cell, Western Ward, was formally reported to Kamdini Town Council Police Station the following morning by the Officer-in-Charge, ASP Odong Alfred.
According to a statement issued by the Regional Police Public Relations Officer, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the fire completely destroyed the kiosks and all merchandise inside. The affected business owners have been identified as Olang Brian, Opio Aron, Akello Betty, Akello Kunta Beatrice, Awor Elizabeth, Aber Gloria, Ayugi Josephine, Umar Bashir, and Oula Dan. The total value of the lost property is still being assessed.
"Initial inquiries suggest that the fire is suspected to have originated from an illegal electricity power connection, believed to have started from a metallic kiosk belonging to Olang Brian, a mobile money agent," read part of the police statement.
However, authorities have cautioned that this is not a final conclusion. "Police note that the actual cause of the fire has not yet been conclusively established," the statement emphasized.
A case of Fire Outbreak/Suspected Arson has been registered under reference GEF 001/2026. A team of detectives and uniformed personnel, led by ASP Odong Alfred, has since revisited the scene. The Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO), D/CPL Edou Charles, examined, processed, and documented the area, while statements have been recorded from the victims and other witnesses.
"The investigations are still ongoing to establish the real cause of the fire and to determine any possible criminal liability. Further updates will be communicated in due course," stated SP Okema.
The blaze has left several small business owners counting significant losses, dealing a blow to the local trading community in Kamdini Town Council.
