Kyambogo University Student Dies After Deadly Cooking Coil Explosion

A first-year student at Kyambogo University has died after sustaining severe burns in a fire incident at his rented residence in Bweyogerere.

The deceased, Bumba Juma, was pursuing a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management and was attached to Nanziri Hall.

According to information released by the university’s guild leadership, Juma passed away on Saturday at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment following the incident.

Preliminary reports indicate that the student suffered critical burns after a cooking coil reportedly exploded while he was preparing a meal in his room. He was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.

A statement issued by the university confirmed the death and described Juma as a first-year, second-semester student.

Accounts circulating among students and on social media suggest the incident occurred at his rented accommodation in the Bweyogerere-Kireka area. Neighbours are said to have responded after the fire broke out, although the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.

By press time, police and university authorities had not released an official report confirming the cause of the fire.

Kyambogo University said it would facilitate burial arrangements under its Student Burial Policy, including meeting the costs of embalming, transportation, and burial.

Juma is expected to be laid to rest in Kamonkoli Kerene Village, Budaka District.

The university also noted that it would not send an official delegation to the burial, citing Ministry of Health guidelines related to Ebola prevention measures.

The death has saddened students and staff, with many expressing condolences to Juma’s family, friends, and colleagues.