By Mike Rwothomio

A devastating house fire in a grass-thatched hut has claimed the life of an 11-month-old baby girl in Amogi Cell, Jupandindo Ward, Padea Town Council, Zombo District.

The victim, identified as Pimer Pamungu Pretty, was burnt beyond recognition in the blaze that occurred at midday on Sunday, 1 December 2025.

According to the child’s mother, Ms Ayunga Jennifer, 20, she had briefly left her two young children , aged 4 years and 11 months unattended to fetch vegetables from a nearby valley. The 11-month-old was asleep inside the grass-thatched house at the time.

While away, Ms Ayunga heard an alarm and rushed back to find the house engulfed in flames and a crowd gathered, including her husband.

Neighbours confirmed they had not seen the infant. After the roof collapsed, rescuers forced their way into the ashes and discovered the baby’s charred remains.

The mother immediately reported the incident to Padea Police Station.Police visited the scene, documented evidence, recorded witness statements, and conducted a post-mortem examination on site.

The body was released to the family for burial.

West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, SSP Josephine Angucia, confirmed that the fire is being treated as suspected arson.

Investigations are ongoing under Paidha CRB 379/2025, with efforts underway to identify and arrest the perpetrator(s).

Authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution with open fires in grass-thatched homes and to avoid leaving young children unattended.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub