Hundreds of vendors at Nakawa Market are counting losses after fire whose cause is yet to be established, gutted stalls destroying property worth millions of shillings in the wee hours this morning.
The 4 am fire is said to have spread through various stalls within the busy market though police swung in swiftly to manage the situation.
Responding to the incident, the Nakawa division Mayor Mr. Paul Mukasa disclosed how the tragic incident broke out as early as 4:30 am, burning several property into ashes.
“The biggest part of the market has burned; our people have lost their property after a lot of things got spoilt. I have called upon security to investigate the cause of the fire,” Mukasa said.
He further said the incident was whistle blower by some of the traders that take refugee at the market during night hours.
He’s however, attributed the cause of the fire to power struggles within the market thus calling for quick investigations to get to the bottom of the matter.
He also revealed that, the incident has occurred at a time when some of the market leaders were imprisoned by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) law enforcers, among these including the chairman of the market, Joseph Mudarasa.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the police fire brigade swung into action to put the fire out, he however acknowledged how millions of properties perished in the fire outbreak although no fatality was reported.
“there were minor damages but we know that if at all it wasn’t for the quick response for the fire and rescue services, alot could have happened especially losing the whole building.” Luke said
He also called on owners of business buildings to embark on putting in place fire safety protocols to mitigate such challenges in the future.
“We have not yet established what could have caused this fire but we want to inform you that no injuries were registered, however we know people have lost their property, we’re trying to establish its real cause where we shall be getting back to you.” Said Luke
The fire outbreak at Nakawa Market comes days after its chairperson, Joseph Mudhasi was charged and remanded to Luzira prison for allegedly assaulting Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) staff.
Mudhasi on Friday appeared before Nakawa Grade One Magistrate’s Court and was charged with two counts of malicious damage and four counts of assault.
