KAMPALA– The Police in Kawempe are investigating a tragic incident of arson that occurred on Thursday night in Nabweru. The incident took place at the home of Ikwaru Martin, a 28-year-old Army officer.
The fire resulted in the death of Onam Emmanuel, a one-year and two-month-old boy, who was the son of Ikwaru. Another child, Anorwoth Elizabeth, a three-year-old girl, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Kirudu Hospital.
According to Ikwaru Martin, he discovered the fire around 11:45 PM when he and his new wife stepped out to take a shower and noticed flames coming from the house. Upon rushing inside, he found his bedroom ablaze.
Although he managed to rescue his children, Onam Emmanuel was tragically confirmed dead at the scene due to suspected suffocation and burns.
The Fire Prevention and Rescue Services, responded promptly and successfully extinguished the fire.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, has said that during the investigation, crime scene investigators recovered a matchbox and a small plastic container suspected to contain kerosene.
“These items have been submitted for forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation” Owoyesigtire noted.
One suspect, Adu Deborah, 25, the ex-wife of Ikwaru Martin, whom he separated from a week ago has since been arrested.
“We strongly condemn any act of violence that leads to the death and injury of innocent individuals and are committed to thoroughly investigating this matter to determine the exact cause of the fire” Owoyesigyire said.
