Wild fire razes 39 huts in Lamwo district

What you need to know:

  • More than six people have been burnt to death within the region since the start of the dry season in December last year after their huts were gutted by wildfire.
  • Mr Elopot noted that they are willing to offer Shs100,000 to any individual who knows the persons who could have been behind the fire.

More than 70 people have been left homeless in Lukung Sub County, Lamwo District after a devastating wildfire razed down 39 huts.
The Monday incident is reported to have also destroyed crops in several farmlands and household properties.
According to local leaders, the incident happened in the villages of Tedo pe, Nena lele, Pangira and Akech Kongo all in Lukung Sub County.
Lukung Sub County LC3 Chairperson Mr Joachim Ocan confirmed the incident, saying the cause of the fire is yet unknown.
“People are in dire need of help from the district leadership and the government. Crops that had been harvested and stored at home and those still in the garden have all been destroyed in the affected areas,” Mr Ocan said.
He noted that there will be famine in the coming months unless the government intervenes early enough to help locals with food relief.

Mr Ocan said local leaders were still evaluating the impact of the fire to ascertain exactly how many families were affected.He however said no death case or injuries were reported during the inferno.
Lamwo district police commander Mr Eria Elopot when contacted said police are hunting for people who are believed to have lit the fire in the various villages.
Mr Elopot noted that they are willing to offer Shs100,000 to any individual who knows the persons who could have been behind the fire.

He sad it’s unfortunate that people in the area burn grass during the dry season while hunting for edible rats, adding that they are the same people who also face the consequences.
Fire incidences are common during the dry spell within Acholi sub region owing to the practice of hunting by locals. This has resulted in grave injuries and worse, death.
More than six people have been burnt to death within the region since the start of the dry season in December last year after their huts were gutted by wildfire.