Mystery fire guts residential building in Pader district

26 January 2026, 4:08 pm

By Ayiro Golden Vicky

A mysterious fire on Monday afternoon, 26 January 2026, gutted a residential building in Olwor South Village, Acoro Parish, Pader District, leaving only a few household items rescued.

The fire reportedly broke out at around 2:00 pm while the building owner was out of the country. The caretaker, Akwero Joyce, who lives a few metres away, said she was shocked by the incident and could not explain how the fire started.

An eyewitness, Akidi Margaret, narrated that residents noticed smoke rising from the roof and immediately raised the alarm by ululating to attract help, but efforts to reach fire responders were unsuccessful.

She added that people from neighbouring homes rushed to the scene and managed to salvage a few belongings.

Another resident, Atim Mary, said she joined neighbours in attempting to rescue items from the burning house. She suspects that a fire set by unknown persons while clearing the bush may have caused the blaze.

Police officers from Pader Central Police Station visited the scene and stated that investigations will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.