Police in Rubanda District are investigating a house fire in which property worth millions of shillings was destroyed after a cigarette butt allegedly fell on dry materials inside the house.

The incident occurred on September 22, 2026, in Rwamugura Village, Kakore Parish, Hamurwa Sub-county, Rubanda District.

The owner of the house has been identified as Kyompeire Peter, who is reportedly separated from his wife, Twinomuhwezi Agnes.

According to police, Kyompeire returned to his house while allegedly under the influence of alcohol and started smoking.

It is alleged that while inside the house, a burning cigarette butt fell onto dry materials, sparking a fire that quickly spread and gutted the entire house.

Household property, including beddings, clothes and foodstuffs, was destroyed in the fire. Police said the value of the damaged property is estimated at millions of shillings.

No death or injury was reported in the incident. Police said Kyompeire reportedly fled the scene after realising that the house had caught fire.

Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson SP Nelson Tumushime cautioned members of the public against careless smoking inside houses, particularly in areas containing dry materials or highly flammable substances.

He urged residents to exercise caution when handling cigarettes and other potential sources of fire to prevent avoidable destruction of property and loss of life.