Authorities in Rukungiri District are investigating a suspected arson attack after a blaze broke out in the bar section of Rukungiri Inn Hotel on Sunday morning.
The incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on September 14, 2025. The hotel’s guard, Job Mwesigye, spotted smoke coming from the back of the bar, which is housed in a grass-thatched hut. He quickly raised the alarm to receptionist Unity Owomugisha, who alerted the hotel manager, Patience Kobusingye. Police were immediately notified.
Firefighters, together with officers from the Police K9 unit, arrived on site and contained the flames before they could spread. Investigators say the dog search was unsuccessful because the scene had already been disturbed.
Initial inquiries point to the possibility that the culprit accessed the premises through the government forest reserve situated behind Rukungiri Police Barracks. Footprints traced from the hotel led into the forest, police noted.
Rukungiri Inn Hotel is owned by Security Minister, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi Katugugu.
