Kole police probe lamp fire that claimed lives of two children

17 April 2026, 7:27 pm

By Winnie Auma

Police in Kole District have launched investigations into a suspected arson incident that claimed the lives of two young children following a house fire reportedly sparked by a local lamp.

According to the North Kioga Regional Police Spokesperson, Jimmy Patrick Okema, the tragic incident occurred on April 16th, 2026, at around 8:00 p.m. in Teaboke Cell, Akwirididi Ward, Aboke Sub-county.The case was reported by Okello Eddy, a 41-year-old mechanic and resident of the area.

The deceased have been identified as three-year-old Amule Melesia and four-year-old Kizza Innocent.Preliminary reports indicate that the children’s mother, Rachael Ajok, had left them asleep in the house with a local paraffin lamp on as she went to a nearby shop to buy items for preparing food. On her return, she found her house engulfed in flames with the children trapped inside.She raised an alarm, prompting neighbours to rush to the scene in an attempt to rescue the children, but their efforts were unsuccessful. By the time help arrived, the fire had already consumed the house.Police say the children’s bodies were burnt beyond recognition, noting that many immediate neighbours were not present at the time of the incident, which may have delayed emergency response.The case was first registered at Aboke Sub-county Police Station and later transferred to Kole Central Police Station.

The remains of the deceased have since been recovered and handed over to relatives for burial. Statements from close family members have also been recorded as investigations continue.

Police are now urging members of the public to adopt safer lighting alternatives such as solar lamps, warning that the use of traditional paraffin lamps and candles poses serious fire risks.