Iganga: A tragic incident has claimed the life of Sheikh Mubarak Kairu, the Imam of Bukoyo Muslim County, who died after being caught in a fire while burning rubbish near his home in Nakigo Subcounty, Iganga District.
According to eyewitnesses, the 60-year-old cleric was clearing rubbish in his shamba (garden) when the fire spread uncontrollably to a neighboring garden. In an attempt to stop the flames from spreading further, he lost strength, collapsed, and was overtaken by the fire.
Nakigo Subcounty NRM chairman, Kasubawa Shaban, confirmed the incident, stating that Sheikh Kairu’s lifeless body was discovered in the burnt area after residents rushed to the scene. “By the time people arrived, he was already dead. He had fainted while trying to stop the fire, and the flames engulfed him,” Kasubawa said.
Sheikh Mubarak Kairu, aged 60, served as the Imam of Bukoyo Muslim County. He divided his time between Nakigo in Nakigo Subcounty and Bukoyo in Bulamagi Subcounty, both within Iganga District.
Police officers arrived at the scene, retrieved his body, and transported it to Iganga Main Hospital for a postmortem examination. Later, his remains were handed over to his relatives for burial.
Authorities have since urged the public to avoid burning rubbish near congested areas, warning that such practices can easily lead to the destruction of property and loss of life. Police also stated that investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
