By Vicent Emong
A tragic fire incident in Kumi District has claimed the life of a 28-year-old businessman, Jaali Steven, after he heroically rescued an infant from a burning house.
The incident occurred on March 17, 2026, at around 8:15 a.m. in Oparako Cell, Oputi Ward, Kanyumu Town Council, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to preliminary reports, Steven had been charging a mobile phone battery directly from a solar battery when it reportedly burst into flames, sparking a fast-spreading fire that engulfed his house.
Witnesses say Steven acted quickly and bravely, first rushing into the burning structure to rescue a six-month-old baby, whom he successfully brought to safety.
However, in a desperate attempt to retrieve money from his business, he returned to the house a second time. It was during this attempt that he became trapped inside and was burned to death.
The Territorial Police in Kumi District have since launched investigations into the incident.
Stephen Mukombe, the South Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed that the case was reported to Kanyumu Police Post by Town Mayor Opit Faustine.
“Police officers, led by detectives from the Kumi District CID, responded swiftly to the scene and have commenced investigations to establish the exact cause of the fire,” Mukombe said.
He added that the body of the deceased was taken to Atutur Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Mukombe also used the opportunity to caution the public on fire safety, warning against risky practices that can easily lead to deadly incidents.
“We strongly caution members of the public against storing petrol in their homes and engaging in the illegal sale of fuel in shops, as this greatly increases the risk of fire outbreaks,” he said.
Authorities have assured the public that more details will be provided as investigations continue.
The incident has left residents mourning a man many now describe as a hero who sacrificed his life to save an innocent child.
