Over 400 homes in Lokwakwa village in Kamaturu parish in Lorengedwat sub County in Nabilatuk district have been destroyed by a bush fire which broke out at around 2pm on Wednesday.
The fire is believed to have been set by a group of unknown boys who were reportedly hunting for rats.
According to John Koryang a defence secretary of Lokwakwa village, the fire started when most people had left their homes. However, many items such as sleeping materials, plates and other household items were destroyed leaving over 1,000 people homeless.
Paul Lokol the Nabilatuk district chairperson says many families are struggling because of the current hunger situation which is forcing young boys to burn bushes as they hunt for rats.
The Karamoja regional police spokesperson Micheal Longole, says the police fire brigade managed to put off the fire before it could cause more damage.
Nabilatuk district resident district commissioner Milton Odongo has sent a team from 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.
