SAD: University Student Burnt to Death in His Room

Kyambogo University is in mourning after a first-year student was set on fire inside his rented room in Bweyogerere and later died from severe burn injuries.

The deceased, Juma Bumba, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management, died on Saturday morning, June 6, 2026.

He had been receiving treatment at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital after being rushed there with critical burns sustained in the fire.

An internal memo from the Dean of Students, Ms. Bridget Mugume, addressed to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka, confirmed the incident.

Bumba, who was attached to Nanziri Hall, was attacked and set ablaze inside his rented accommodation in Bweyogerere, Kira Municipality, the statement said.

“We hereby inform you of the passing on of Mr. Juma Bumba… Mr. Bumba passed away this morning from Kiruddu Hospital, where he was admitted after being burnt in his rental,” the memo read.

The university confirmed it is handling funeral arrangements under its Student Burial Policy.

This includes embalming, transportation of the body, and burial arrangements.

Bumba is expected to be laid to rest on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Kamonkoli Village, Budaka District.

However, the university said no official delegation will attend the burial due to Ministry of Health Ebola prevention guidelines.

Uganda is currently enforcing restrictions linked to the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, which limit public gatherings.

The tragedy adds to a series of recent student deaths at Kyambogo University.

On May 14, 2026, Brighton Kamugisha, a third-year student of Textiles and Apparel Design, was found dead in his hostel room.

A post-mortem later confirmed hypertrophic heart disease as the cause of death.

In March, Anita Scovia Cherotich died in a fatal boda-boda accident in Bweyogerere.

The repeated deaths have raised concerns about student safety, especially for those living in off-campus rentals.

Authorities have launched investigations into the arson attack.

Police have not yet issued an official statement on arrests or suspects.

Weeks ago, a Makerere University female student was found dead in her room, as reported Here.

Last week, a Mbarara university student collapsed and died while preparing for exams, as detailed Here.