By KT Reporter
Business owners along Ntinda-Kiwatule Road are counting heavy losses after a Tuesday night fire gutted over ten kiosks and part of a commercial arcade, leaving a trail of destruction and despair.
The blaze, which began around 10:00 pm, destroyed stalls dealing in electronics, phone accessories, mattresses, clothing, and salon services. Most of the shops had closed for the day, and by the time emergency services arrived, little could be salvaged.
Local leaders and victims now appeal for support as they face the grim task of rebuilding their lives. Lukyamuzi Musa, the area Chairperson, said the fire caught the business owners off guard after they had retired for the night. Many of them, he noted, have been left with nothing.
George Ogwang, whose wife’s shop was destroyed, said they received a call at around 11 pm alerting them about the fire. By the time they reached the scene, the flames had engulfed the entire area. Attempts to unlock the shop failed due to extreme heat, and very little was saved.
Ogwang criticized the delayed response by the fire brigade, despite the proximity to Ntinda Police Station. He said officers from the station responded quickly, but the fire truck had to come from the Clock Tower. “The firefighting vehicles should be stationed at every police station,” Ogwang said, pointing to a recurring gap in emergency preparedness.
Ashraf Matovu, another witness, decried the lack of investment in the police fire and rescue services. He said while the government is quick to acquire guns and armored vehicles, it often neglects essential emergency response units.
“It takes hours for the fire brigade to arrive. When they do, some come without water,” Matovu lamented. “This shows the glaring weaknesses in our institutions.”
Eyewitnesses suspect the fire may have started from a nearby power station due to fluctuating electricity on the night of the incident. However, police say investigations are ongoing to confirm the exact cause. This incident is one of several recent fires in Kampala, including the one that destroyed Smart Mini Supermarket in Busega’s Kigwaanya Zone and another that ravaged timber shops in Ndeba.
Despite the frequency of these incidents, the police have yet to release conclusive reports on their causes. According to the Police and Rescue Services report for 2024, Uganda has recorded a 13.8% increase in fire outbreaks, with 1,280 cases in 2024 compared to 1,104 in 2023.
The spike in urban fires has raised alarm over fire safety, particularly in congested commercial and residential areas. Experts blame aging infrastructure, poor wiring, and the challenges of rapid urbanization for the growing number of incidents-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
