By Our Reporter
A devastating fire on Friday afternoon gutted the residence of the late Democratic Party (DP) President, Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, in Lule Zone, Kabusu, Rubaga Division—sending shockwaves through the neighborhood and igniting an emotional response across Uganda’s political and civic landscape.
The blaze, which tore through the upper floor of the two-storey family home, broke out suddenly and spread with alarming speed. Despite frantic efforts by local residents using buckets and basins, and a rapid response from the Uganda Police Fire Brigade, much of the residence was consumed before the fire was brought under control.
“We heard a loud crack, then saw smoke pouring out of the roof,” said Margaret Namaganda, a neighbor who witnessed the terrifying moment. “It all happened so fast.”
Joseph Kalema, another resident, described the desperate scenes as community members scrambled to salvage household items. “We tried to help in any way we could, but the fire was too powerful. That house wasn’t just bricks—it was part of our history.”
Among the first officials to arrive at the scene was Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. He commended residents for their courage and called for a swift investigation into the cause of the fire.
Police confirmed that no injuries were reported, and investigations are ongoing to determine what sparked the blaze. However, the emotional toll has been heavy, especially for a community that revered the home as a monument to a man who helped shape modern Uganda.
Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, who passed away on November 18, 2022, at the age of 90, remains one of Uganda’s most respected statesmen. A pillar of multiparty democracy, he led the Democratic Party for over two decades and served in various senior cabinet roles, including Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Prime Minister.
Ssemogerere was widely admired for his principled, peaceful approach to politics, even during some of the country’s most turbulent years. His Lubaga residence was not only a home but a symbolic landmark—a gathering place for dialogue, reconciliation, and political engagement across divides.
News of the fire has reignited debate around urban fire safety in Uganda. According to police data, the country registered more than 1,100 fire outbreaks in 2023, many linked to electrical faults and substandard installations. Activists and local leaders are now urging authorities to fast-track reforms aimed at protecting both heritage homes and ordinary households from similar disasters.
“This incident is a wake-up call,” said Lukwago. “We must invest in better fire prevention and response systems, especially in our urban centers.”
As investigators work to uncover the cause of the fire, tributes continue to pour in from leaders and citizens alike. For many, the destruction of Ssemogerere’s home is not just the loss of property—it is the burning of a quiet but powerful chapter in Uganda’s democratic journey.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.