At least six people, including five Kyambogo University students, were critically injured on Monday night following a gas explosion at Sports Pro Hostel in Banda Zone Nine, Nakawa Division, Kampala.
The blast, which tore through the ground floor of the three-storey building, was triggered when a student reportedly lit a faulty cooking gas cylinder inside her room. The explosion shattered windows, ripped doors off their hinges, and injured both residents and bystanders.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the incident, noting that fire and rescue teams quickly secured the area.
“Victims were referred to Naguru and Mulago hospitals for further treatment. The damage was big,” Onyango said.
Among the worst affected was Frank, the hostel’s security guard, who was initially rushed to a nearby clinic before being transferred to Naguru Hospital. Five Kyambogo students were also hospitalized, including Flavia Chelangat and Florence Akello, while the identities of three others were yet to be confirmed at press time.
Police investigations point to a faulty gas cylinder as the cause. Onyango urged the public to prioritize safety when handling cooking gas.
“The cause of the explosion has been confirmed as a cooking gas cylinder, but we remind the public that it’s crucial to handle cylinders with care and observe safety precautions to avoid such tragedies,” he warned.
The hostel has since been cordoned off as inquiries continue.
Gas use in Ugandan households has risen sharply in recent years due to its affordability and convenience. However, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development admits the sector still lacks comprehensive regulations. Officials say efforts are underway to establish stronger safety standards for oil and gas usage to reduce risks of similar accidents.