Cpl Christine Babirye, a UPDF soldier at Bombo Military Hospital, perished in a fire at her home in Mpakawero Zone, Bombo Town Council, on March 21.
Locals link the blaze to ongoing disputes with her husband over land and infidelity, with police now investigating.
Thick smoke from a house in Mpakawero Zone, Bombo Town Council, alerted residents on the night of March 21, leading to the discovery of a devastating fire that killed Cpl Christine Babirye, a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier stationed at Bombo Military Hospital.
First responders forced open the locked door around 10 pm and found the corporal severely burned and struggling to breathe. Neighbours, including Ms Abdallah Safina, pulled her out and rushed her to Bombo Military Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Local leaders suspect foul play tied to domestic issues. Mr James Mulambuzi, chairperson of Mpakawero Lufula Village, revealed the couple’s long-standing conflicts over the land where their home stood, plus accusations of extramarital affairs and repeated domestic violence reports.
Witnesses noted that Cpl Babirye’s husband, Mr Dickson Mwesigwa, was spotted at the house earlier that evening but vanished before the fire was reported. He was arrested on Monday from a hiding spot.
Ms Zaituni Khemis, another resident, highlighted frequent domestic violence in the area, often handled privately, urging Bombo Town Council and Luweero District officials to act.
Maj Peter Mugisa, UPDF Land Forces Public Information Officer, confirmed the incident and ongoing investigations to deliver justice. Luweero District saw 287 domestic violence cases in 2024, placing it fifth nationwide per police records.
Source: Daily Monitor
