Preliminary reports indicate that Juma sustained critical burns after a cooking coil reportedly exploded while he was preparing a meal in his room.
A first-year student at Kyambogo University has died after sustaining severe burns in a fire incident at his rented accommodation in Bweyogerere.
The deceased, identified as Bumba Juma, was pursuing a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management and was attached to Nanziri Hall at the university.
According to a notice issued by the Kyambogo University Guild, Juma passed away on Saturday morning at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, where he had been admitted following the incident.
“We hereby inform you of the passing on of Mr Bumba Juma, registration number 25/U/PLE/08178/PE, a first-year, second-semester student in the Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management, attached to Nanziri Hall. Mr Bumba Juma passed away this morning at Kiruddu Hospital, where he was admitted after being burnt in his rental in Bweyogerere town,” the notice stated.
Preliminary reports indicate that Juma sustained critical burns after a cooking coil reportedly exploded while he was preparing a meal in his room. He was rushed to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
Information circulating on social media suggested that the evening student, who was reportedly residing in Kireka, was involved in an incident in which a cooking coil exploded inside his room, triggering the fire.
Neighbours are said to have responded to the scene in an effort to help, although details surrounding the incident remain unclear.
By press time, neither police nor university authorities had officially confirmed the exact cause of the fire.
Kyambogo University said it had facilitated burial arrangements in accordance with its Student Burial Policy, including covering the costs of embalming, transportation and burial.
The university further announced that Juma will be laid to rest at Kamonkoli Kerene Village in Budaka District.
However, the institution noted that it would not send an official delegation to attend the burial, citing Ministry of Health guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola.
The death has sparked grief among students and members of the university community, who have expressed condolences to Juma’s family and friends.