30/6/2026
Police in Mbarara City have opened investigations into a suspected suicide by arson after the owner of an electronics shop that caught fire on Monday night succumbed to burn injuries at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
According to Rwizi Region Police spokesperson SP Samson Kasasira, the deceased, identified as Fred Tumusiime, died at around 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday while receiving treatment for severe burns sustained during the fire.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Tumusiime allegedly left his mobile phones at his home in Nyakaizi, Kakoba Division, at around 10:00 p.m. before heading to his shop in Muti Cell. He is suspected to have locked himself inside the premises before setting it on fire.
The Mbarara Police Fire Brigade, together with residents, responded to the scene and managed to rescue him while he was still alive before rushing him to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. However, he later died from the injuries.
Police further revealed that Tumusiime had reportedly been traumatised following the death of his wife five years ago. Investigators are treating the incident as a suspected case of suicide by arson, although inquiries remain ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire.
In a separate incident, a fire destroyed a kitchen and household property at the home of Hellen Kembabazi in Rwemirinzi, Katete Ward, Nyamitanga Division, Mbarara City.
Police said the blaze started at around 3:00 p.m. after rubbish being burned near the kitchen spread to the structure. The fire destroyed kitchen utensils and other household items before it was brought under control.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
SP Kasasira said investigations into both fire incidents are continuing.
