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UPDATE: At least three people have been confirmed dead, and several others sustained injuries following a fire outbreak at Sunrise Hotel in downtown Kampala.
Authorities have warned that the death toll may rise as investigations into the cause of the blaze continue.
The fire, which broke out on Wednesday mid-morning, is still being contained by the police fire brigade, while search and rescue teams work to locate any survivors.
Eyewitnesses at the scene speculated that the fire may have originated from a soap-making outlet within the building, as an explosion was reportedly heard moments before the incident.
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Emergency response efforts are ongoing at the hotel, which is situated along Khamis Road in Kampala.
Earlier reporting:
A massive fire has engulfed Sunrise Hotel on Khamis Road in downtown Kampala, leaving several people injured and others feared dead.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as flames and thick smoke spread rapidly through the multi-story building.
Some occupants jumped from upper floors to escape the inferno, while others screamed for help. “We saw people jumping to save their lives. The fire spread very fast, trapping many inside,” said an eyewitness.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and medical teams, rushed to the scene as crowds gathered. Kampala Metropolitan Police said investigations are underway, and rescue operations remain a priority.
However, the cause of the fire has not yet been established. This incident adds to a rising number of fires in Uganda that have resulted in loss of life and property.
In 2023, a school dormitory fire in Mukono killed at least 11 students, raising concerns over fire safety in public buildings. In late 2024, Park Yard Market in downtown Kampala was destroyed in another fire, leaving traders counting losses worth millions.
Several commercial buildings, including arcades and hotels, have been ravaged by fires, often linked to electrical faults, poor safety standards, and delayed emergency response.
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Despite repeated calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations, many structures remain vulnerable.
Authorities have urged building owners to install fire suppression systems and conduct regular safety drills. Meanwhile, investigations into the Sunrise Hotel fire continue, with officials expected to release updates on casualties and the possible cause.