By KT Reporter
Several traders are counting losses in Nebbi town following a fire outbreak that gutted Garamba Produce Stores in Rock View Cell, Central Division, on Monday, destroying property worth millions of shillings. Eyewitnesses report that the fire began around 4:30 a.m. in a makeshift bar before spreading to a nearby produce store and igniting flammable materials in an electronic kiosk.
Habaki Kumakech, an electronic technician operating a shop at Garamba Produce Store, where the fire occurred, said the fire initially seemed manageable but escalated when a gas cylinder exploded, spreading the flames to other makeshift structures.
“Our properties couldn’t be rescued because most of the businesses are operated in makeshift structures made of timber, and the fire was spreading at high speed,” Kumakech said. Colleen Onyuthuwun, a produce dealer, said she had just stocked 10 bags of maize on Friday but lost everything within two days, describing it as a great loss.
Collins Asea, the West Nile Public Relations Officer, said that at around 5:30 a.m., a member of the public noticed smoke and informed the LC chairman of Rock View Cell. The fire engulfed structures housing small businesses, including local brew shops, timber stores, electronic kiosks, and restaurants.
He added that no lives were lost, and police are still investigating the cause of the fire. However, he noted that there is suspicion it might have been caused by a short circuit due to loose electrical connections in one of the kiosks. “Police are yet to establish the cause of the fire outbreak, which caused damage to properties, rendering businessmen and women jobless,” Asea said.
Robert Anecho, who was managing a family business, said he had just stocked his kiosk with goods worth Shs 4 million, but everything was destroyed in the fire. “We started the family business last December through family contributions to raise school fees, medical expenses, and upkeep. But this abrupt incident has left us with nothing,” Anecho said.
Stephen Masendi, a timber dealer, said he lost 7 million Shillings worth of stock in the fire, which would significantly affect his business. “I was operating the timber business with loans, and I don’t know if I will be able to repay them. I had just secured a loan from a lending institution to expand my business,” Masendi said.
Masendi added that many fire victims were beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM), operating in makeshift structures due to the small seed capital they received from the government. Pimer Harriet, a businesswoman, blamed the government for not providing a firefighting truck despite the high risks associated with fire outbreaks.
She added that the police only came to document the destruction but were unable to help rescue property due to the lack of a firefighting truck. “We blame the government for not protecting our businesses. The entire greater Nebbi district lacks a firefighting truck, yet the towns have petrol stations with flammable liquids,” Pimer said-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
