Twenty-one makeshift structures, including about seven forex bureau outlets, have been destroyed in a fire outbreak at Mpondwe Cross-Border Market in Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council, Kasese District.
The fire broke out on Tuesday, causing significant property damage, although no deaths or injuries were reported. Rogers Mutahunga, the Local Council III Chairperson, said several businesses were affected, including about seven forex bureau outlets.
Police said the blaze was brought under control by the Bwera Police Division Fire Brigade and Rescue Services, led by the Bwera Division Police Commander, SP Joseph Bakaleke. Firefighters found several market stalls already engulfed in flames when they arrived at the scene.
The affected stalls belonged to different vendors whose identities are yet to be established. Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have been caused by negligence, with a charcoal stove reportedly left unattended in one of the structures suspected to have ignited the blaze.
Elly Matte, the Rwenzori East Police spokesperson, says further investigations are underway to establish the full extent of the damage and identify the affected vendors.
The fire was contained before spreading to neighbouring structures, preventing further destruction. Police have urged market vendors and residents to exercise caution when using cooking equipment and other sources of fire.
Authorities have also reassured those affected of their commitment to ensuring safety and supporting efforts to establish the extent of the losses-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
