Police have launched investigations into a suspected arson attack that destroyed the home of outspoken social media commentator Magala Balikyewunya in Luwero District, with members of his family reportedly inside the house at the time.
According to Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, November 8, 2026, following allegations that unknown individuals deliberately set the house on fire.
Rusoke said police received information about the incident and responded to the scene at approximately 3:00am. Officers managed to extinguish the fire and rescue some household property, although the blaze had already caused extensive damage to the home.
Magala, who has gained prominence through his appearances on various podcasts discussing Ugandan culture, traditions, history and religion, was reportedly not at home when the fire broke out.
Clarifying his whereabouts, Rusoke revealed that Magala had been remanded to prison on November 5 over separate charges, dismissing claims circulating on social media that the commentator was in police custody when the incident happened.
“Mr Magala was not at home at the time because on 5th November he had been remanded on different charges. He was not in police custody as some people claimed. He was in prison,” Rusoke clarified.
The police spokesperson did not reveal the specific charges against Magala or disclose the prison where he is being held. However, he said the commentator is expected to return to the Luwero court on November 12 for sentencing.
On the circumstances surrounding the fire, Rusoke said investigators were pursuing allegations that the incident was deliberate and that unknown individuals could have been involved.
“Investigations are ongoing. The fact that the family believes there was a hand behind this arson, we are looking into this to see if we can find the suspects,” he said.
Rusoke also acknowledged the public concern and anger surrounding the destruction of Magala’s home, urging members of the public to remain calm as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We have noted that this case has sparked a lot of public anger, and we are appealing to you to remain calm and not carry the law in your hands,” he said.