And in the weekend incident, a fatal fire whose source had not been established by press time, broke out in Kuwait’s Al-Riggai Residential building where the six Ugandans were staying.
The death of six Ugandans in an inferno in a Kuwait residential building over the weekend brings to 11 the number of Ugandans that have died in Arab countries since the beginning of the year.
Five bodies are still stuck in Saudi Arabia after family members failed to raise the required between sh16m and 20m for the return of each.
And in the weekend incident, a fatal fire whose source had not been established by press time, broke out in Kuwait’s Al-Riggai Residential building where the six Ugandans were staying.
The dead were identified as Gota Wilberforce, Fred Ndawula, Esawu Gaganga, Ian Jonathan Tumusiime, Harold Kafeero and Hudson Kikomeko. The mysterious fire broke out at around 4.00am and caught up with them before they could vacate the building.
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According to Kenneth Oloka, the head of the Kyeyo Initiative Uganda which is charged with ensuring the rights of Ugandans working in the diaspora, all the dead were responsible for online movement of merchandise to customers.
Oloka further stated that the two bodies of Ndawula and Musiime were charred beyond recognition, necessitating conducting a DNA examination to ascertain their identities and then begin arrangements for flying them back home.
“We have got in touch with our Embassy in Saudi Arabia to link with the company that facilitated their travel to Kuwait, to assist in making arrangements for bringing back the bodies”, Oloka said.
He however gave assurances that so far all programmes are moving as planned, with the remaining hurdle being receiving DNA tests.
And the chairperson of Ugandans working in Kuwait Miriam Namutebi said of the eight fire victims, only two managed to escape; these are Ahmad Taika who is on life support machines, and one identified as Batesta, who escaped unscathed.
Namutebi appealed to the government to intervene and give a helping hand, adding that a lot of processes still need financial involvement.
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She further disclosed that according to information so far received, trouble began when an air conditioner on the fifth floor burst into flames, with the fire extending to the sixth floor. The bodies are now in Dhagji and Subhan morgues.
Oloka was dismayed that many more Ugandans’ bodies are still stranded in Arab countries after travel companies that took these people abroad turned their back and left relatives to sort out the mess themselves.
He appealed to the government to set up a special fund for assisting in the return of bodies of Ugandans dying in Arab countries, arguing that these people contribute a lot to government coffers.
The Presidential Advisor on Ugandans in the diaspora, Abbey Walusimbi said the government has already learnt of the catastrophe and is still studying information surrounding the incident, and then duly inform the country on the way forward.