A bush fire has destroyed over 400 homes in Lokwakwa village in Kamaturu parish in Lorengedwat sub County in Nabilatuk district.
The fire which broke out at around 2pm yesterday is believed to have been set by a group of unknown boys who were reportedly hunting for rats.
John Koryang, a defence secretary of Lokwakwa village, said that by the time the fire started it was found when most people had left their homes.
He said many items such as sleeping materials and other house items were destroyed leaving over 1,000 people homeless but fortunately no one was killed in the fire.
Paul Lokol, the district chairperson of Nabilatuk district said many families are struggling because of the current hunger situation which is making young boys burn bushes as they hunt for rats.
“They don’t know that because of the current condition of high speed wind and drought, a small fire burns easily,” he added.
Micheal Longole, the Karamoja regional police spokesperson said the police fire brigade managed to put off the fire before it could cause more damage.
Milton Odongo, the resident district commissioner Nabilatuk district said he has sent a team of the district disaster committee to ground to come up with a detailed report that will be sent to the office of the prime minister for any assistance.
