By Eye Media Uganda | August 16, 2025
Heartbreak swept through Mpala Zone in Katabi Town Council Saturday August 16, 2025 as the three siblings who were burnt to death in a house fire — while their mother was reportedly out partying — were laid to rest at Kintu Cemetery, the official burial ground of fish tycoon Lenon Kavuma.
The deceased, Ellah Namiiro (12), Amani Namulema (5) and Namujju Tamale (3), met a horrific death in the early hours of Friday morning when flames engulfed their mother’s rented house, allegedly caused by an electric short circuit.
The trio had reportedly been locked inside the house by their mother, Julie Nalubwama, who was at Dollar’s Springs Hotel in Kawafu-Abaita Ababiri — a popular hangout — where witnesses say she was seen dancing and drinking herself senseless well past midnight.
Final send-off amid anger and sorrow
Mourners wailed uncontrollably as the tiny caskets were lowered into the ground at 4pm. Grief soon turned into fury, with many blaming Nalubwama for negligence, accusing her of prioritising nightlife over parenting. Others wondered why she had never hired a maid to look after her children during her frequent nocturnal escapades.
“It is painful. These innocent souls should not have died like this,” one mourner lamented.
Nalubwama and Kavuma — who is said to have married her as a third wife after meeting her in a bar — maintained a cold silence, sipping alcohol throughout the vigil and burial proceedings even as angry mourners hurled accusations at them.
Police probe negligence angle
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesman, confirmed that investigations are ongoing to ascertain whether criminal negligence played a role in the deaths. “We have begun investigations into the matter,” he said, warning that parents have a duty of care over minors, especially during night hours.
The burial comes a day after Katabi Town Council residents woke up in shock to the news of the tragedy, described by many as one of the most disturbing fire incidents in recent years.
As investigations continue, the community of Mpala prays justice will speak for the young victims whose only crime was trusting their parents to protect them.
May their little souls rest in eternal peace.
