A massive fire that broke out on Wednesday night has razed business buildings and kiosks in Mbale City, destroying property worth millions of shillings and leaving over 200 traders and carpenters counting heavy losses. The blaze started at around 10:30 p.m. at Mukanga near Fahaab Petrol Station in Bugema, Industrial Division, rapidly spreading through a cluster of workshops and retail outlets before fire services could fully contain it.
Properties destroyed include furniture, shops, carpentry machinery, and other business equipment, leaving many entrepreneurs with total losses. Robert Wakoba, one of the affected carpenters, said the police fire brigade responded with two trucks but arrived after most of the property had already been reduced to ashes. Wakoba appealed for government intervention, noting that many traders had invested using bank loans and are now facing severe financial distress.
Ivan Wakalanga, another trader affected by the fire, said no deaths were reported since the incident occurred after most traders had closed their businesses and returned home. Elgon Region Police spokesperson SP Rogers Taitika confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the fire. “We are still investigating the cause of the fire,” Taitika said. Authorities have since urged affected traders to work closely with investigators as assessments continue to determine the extent of the damage-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
