Fatal hotel fire in Kampala traced to restaurant—police

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A fire that ravaged the Sunrise Hotel in Kampala is believed to have started in the restaurant located on the first floor of the building, according to police reports.

The fire broke out at around 10:00 am. The hotel is located on Rashid Khamis Road, directly across from Mukwano Mall in the central part of the city.

In a statement issued on March 6, 2025, by Patrick Onyango, the spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan area, initial investigations suggest that the flames spread quickly, blocking access to the upper floors of the seven-storey building.

Onyango highlighted that this created a complex rescue situation, but emergency responders managed to save 20 individuals.

Sadly, he confirmed two fatalities: Akot Akol Arop Chan, a 45-year-old from South Sudan, and Mwindadi Shineni Isa, a national from Tanzania.

“Ongoing investigations aim to determine the exact cause of the fire, the number of victims, the extent of property damage, and any potential architectural issues,” he said.

Onyango noted that while the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, unconfirmed reports suggest a possible link to an informal liquid soap-making business on the first floor.

“Investigators will examine whether chemical reactions involving flammable substances such as glycerine, ethanol, isopropanol, and fragrance oils contributed to the blaze,” he added.

However, Onyango also pointed out that the building lacked fire suppression systems, which may have worsened the extent of the damage.

According to the 2024 Police Annual Crime and Road Safety Report, there was a notable rise in school fires, with a 9% increase from 50 cases in 2023 to 55 cases in 2024. Residential buildings and makeshift structures were the most affected by fires, with 300 and 250 cases, respectively.

The report identified electricity-related issues, negligence, and the misuse of wax candles as the main causes of fires.

Kampala Metropolitan Region recorded the highest number of fire incidents, with 993 cases.