Man Burns Down House While Smoking in Rubanda
RUBANDA, September 23, 2026 — Police in Rubanda District are investigating a fire incident in which a house and property worth millions of shillings were destroyed after a cigarette butt allegedly fell on dry materials inside the house.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Rwamugura Village, Kakore Parish, Hamurwa Sub-county in Rubanda District.
According to police, the house belonged to Kyompeire Peter, who reportedly returned home while under the influence of alcohol and began smoking inside the house.
It is alleged that while smoking, a burning cigarette butt fell onto dry material, sparking a fire that quickly spread and gutted the entire house.
Household property destroyed in the fire included beddings, clothes and foodstuffs, with the total loss estimated at millions of shillings.
Police said no deaths or injuries were reported in the incident. Kyompeire reportedly fled the scene after realizing that the house had caught fire.
Police also said Kyompeire is the husband of Twinomuhwezi Agnes, although the two have reportedly been separated for about three years.
The incident is being investigated by police in Rubanda District.
Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson SP Nelson Tumushime cautioned members of the public against careless smoking inside houses, particularly in homes containing dry materials or highly flammable substances.
He urged residents to exercise caution to prevent avoidable fire outbreaks and loss of property.
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