Mbarara Businessman Dies After Electronics Shop Fire Destroys Property

MBARARA, Uganda — Police in Mbarara have confirmed the death of Fred Tumusiime, a 55-year-old businessman who sustained critical burn injuries after a late-night fire destroyed his electronics shop in Mbarara City.

Tumusiime, a resident of Nyakaizi in Kakoba Division, died at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital on Tuesday morning while receiving treatment for severe burns sustained during the incident.

According to Rwizi Regional Police Spokesperson Samson Kasasira, the businessman was pronounced dead at around 10:00 a.m. after doctors were unable to save his life.

“Tumusiime succumbed to severe burns at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, where he had been rushed in critical condition,” Kasasira said.

Fire Broke Out Late at Night

Police said the fire started at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Monday inside Tumusiime’s electronics shop located in a commercial building along Bishop Wills Street in Mbarara City.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the businessman was trapped inside the premises when the blaze erupted, leaving him with life-threatening injuries before he was rescued and taken to hospital.

Residents in the area reported hearing a loud blast moments before flames engulfed the shop.

“Neighbours heard an explosion before the doors opened and the fire spread through the premises,” Kasasira explained.

Firefighters Prevented Further Damage

The Police Fire and Rescue Services team responded promptly and managed to extinguish the fire before it spread to adjoining businesses and the upper floors of the commercial building.

Although firefighters successfully contained the blaze, Tumusiime’s electronics shop and its contents were completely destroyed.

Police said the quick response prevented what could have been a much larger disaster in one of Mbarara City’s busy commercial areas.

Investigations Underway

Police investigators and forensic experts have since examined the scene to determine what caused the fire.

Authorities have not yet established the exact source of the blaze, and investigations remain ongoing.

The incident has left both family members and the business community in mourning, with many describing Tumusiime as a hardworking entrepreneur whose livelihood was destroyed in the tragedy.

Police have urged business owners to regularly inspect electrical installations and observe fire safety measures to reduce the risk of similar incidents.

Further updates are expected once forensic investigations into the cause of the fire are completed.