By Spy Uganda
A fire on Friday afternoon devastated the residence of the late Democratic Party (DP) President, Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, sending shockwaves through the Lubaga suburb of Kampala and stirring deep emotions among residents.
The blaze erupted suddenly, rapidly consuming parts of the historic home despite frantic efforts by local residents and the Uganda Police Fire Brigade to contain it.
“We heard a loud crack, then saw smoke pouring out of the roof,” said Margaret Namaganda, a neighbor who witnessed the incident.
Another eyewitness, Joseph Kalema, described scenes of desperation as community members scrambled to save household items. “We grabbed buckets, basins—anything—to help, but the fire was too strong,” he recounted.
Police arrived at the scene swiftly to manage the situation. No injuries were reported, but the fire left a trail of destruction and a grieving community.
“This wasn’t just a house—it was a living piece of history,” Kalema added. “Dr. Ssemogerere would always come out to greet people. He lived simply, but his legacy was profound.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. Investigations are underway.
Dr. Ssemogerere, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 90, was a towering figure in Uganda’s post-independence politics. He led the Democratic Party for more than two decades and served in various cabinet roles, including Minister of Internal Affairs and Foreign Affairs. His Lubaga residence had come to symbolize quiet statesmanship, democratic ideals, and Uganda’s multiparty legacy.
The incident has reignited public concern over fire safety in urban areas. According to police data, Uganda recorded over 1,100 fire incidents in 2023, with electrical faults and poor installations frequently cited as leading causes.
As the community mourns the damage to a landmark of national memory, calls are growing for stronger fire prevention measures to protect Uganda’s historic and residential sites.
