Three people have died in a house fire in Nansana West Ward, Wakiso District, in an incident police are investigating as suspected arson.

The fire broke out at about 2 a.m. on Monday in a residential house partitioned into six rental units. The deceased have been identified as landlady Violet Nanyombi and tenants Annet Namulondo and her husband Bulali Isabirye (also referred to as Isabirye Bumali). Six other occupants escaped with injuries.

According to village chairperson George Mukiibi, Nanyombi led her 9-year-old daughter out of the house shortly before the fire started. She reportedly gave the child money for school fees and a handwritten note containing a will. The note identified who should take care of the girl and manage her property until she turns 18. It also mentioned an outstanding loan on which she was paying Shs 60,000 daily, without specifying the source.

Nansana Municipality Mayor Sam Mugabi said preliminary information indicates the landlady had been under pressure from moneylenders. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that investigators found a letter at the scene suggesting the fire was intentional and that there were reports of violence before the blaze, including some occupants being forced out of the house.

Police are treating the incident as suspected arson. The bodies were badly burnt and forensic work is ongoing. The fire brigade arrived about two hours after the outbreak.