HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Savannah Regional Police have confirmed that the home of controversial TikTok personality Mzee Magala, also known as Magala Balikyewunya, was torched in a suspected arson attack by unidentified assailants who reportedly used petrol to set the roof ablaze while his wife and children were sleeping inside.
The attack occurred at approximately 3:00am on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Magala’s residence in Bunyaka Village, Luwero Town Council, Luwero District, raising fears about the safety of his family and possible retaliation linked to his ongoing legal troubles.
Savannah Regional Police spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sam Twiineamazima, confirmed the incident, saying preliminary investigations suggested that the fire was deliberately started.
“The preliminary cause of the fire is suspected to be arson,” Twiineamazima said, indicating that investigators were treating the incident as a possible criminal act rather than an accidental fire.
According to preliminary accounts, the unidentified attackers reportedly arrived at the home under the cover of darkness, leaned a ladder against the building and climbed onto the roof.
They allegedly poured petrol over the roofing before setting it alight, causing flames to spread rapidly across the house.
The fire reportedly destroyed the roof and reduced several household belongings to ashes, leaving the property heavily damaged.
Family escapes death by a whisker
Although the attack could easily have resulted in a tragedy, Magala’s wife and children managed to escape from the burning house without sustaining injuries.
The family members were reportedly asleep when the fire broke out, meaning they had little time to react as the flames spread through the building.
Their escape without injuries or fatalities was one of the few positive developments following the incident, which has raised questions about whether the attackers intended to destroy property alone or also endanger the lives of the occupants.
The Savannah Regional Police Fire Brigade reportedly arrived at the scene at approximately 9:00am, several hours after the fire had started.
By the time firefighters reached the residence, the building had already suffered extensive damage, with the roof destroyed and household property burnt.
Police have not yet disclosed the estimated value of the damage or whether any suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Attack comes days after Magala’s remand
The arson attack has attracted particular attention because it happened when Magala was not at home.
The TikToker had been remanded to Butuntumula Government Prison on Thursday, November 5, 2026, after appearing in court to face attempted murder charges.
His absence during the attack has heightened speculation about whether the incident could be connected to the criminal proceedings against him.
Police are investigating possible links between the fire and his ongoing legal case, although investigators have not established the identities or motives of the suspected arsonists.
The timing of the attack has also raised concerns about the possibility of revenge, intimidation or attempts to settle personal scores through violence.
However, until investigations establish the circumstances surrounding the fire, any suggestion that the incident was connected to Magala’s court case remains speculation.
The police have not publicly identified any individuals suspected of organising or carrying out the attack.
Police investigate possible motives
Twiineamazima said preliminary findings pointed towards intentional destruction, with detectives expected to establish how the attackers accessed the property, obtained the fuel and escaped without being apprehended.
Investigators are also expected to establish whether the attackers specifically targeted Magala’s residence and whether there had been previous threats against him or his family.
The use of a ladder to access the roof and the reported application of petrol suggest a deliberate method of setting the building ablaze, although forensic investigations will be necessary to establish the exact circumstances.
Police are also expected to establish whether neighbours witnessed suspicious movements around the home before or after the incident.
The investigation comes at a sensitive time for Magala, whose arrest and remand on attempted murder charges have placed him at the centre of public attention.
Family security concerns emerge
The burning of Magala’s home has opened another troubling chapter in the controversy surrounding the social media personality.
While he remains in prison awaiting further court proceedings, his wife and children are now confronted with the loss of their home and household belongings.
The incident also raises wider concerns about the safety of families of suspects involved in criminal proceedings, particularly where disputes and tensions could potentially spill over into acts of retaliation.
Police face the task of establishing whether the attack was motivated by Magala’s legal troubles or arose from an unrelated dispute.
About the Author
