Four children from the same mother were burnt to death when a fire engulfed their house in the central Uganda district of Wakiso on Thursday, May 26.

The children who died were all under the age of eight, according to a police statement.

The children caught fire when their mother, Annet Naigaga, who deals in roasted maize and yellow bananas, went to fetch water 500 meters away.

“The children were left inside their old two-bedroom, semi-permanent residence with their 12-year-old sister, Catherine Nakkasi, who was getting ready to go to school,” said Luke Owoyesigyire, deputy spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Area.

According to Owoyesigyire, investigations into the incident have begun, and preliminary findings show that there was a fueled motorcycle inside the house, which caused the large fire.

“The eldest child, Nakasi Catherine, is also suspected of leaving the candle burning inside the house before leaving for school,” he said.

When the mother returned from retrieving water, she noticed a lot of smoke pouring out of her house.

“Inside the house, four children cried for rescue, but the door was shut.” She raised the alarm and attempted to enter to save the children, but the fire was too strong,” she said. Mr. Owoyesigyire went on to say more.

However, authorities believe that a smoldering candle in the house may have dropped on the motorcycle, igniting the blaze.

“The four bodies have been transported to the Mulago city mortuary for postmortem,” police said.

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