By Charles Katabalwa,
KAMPALA
The police in Kampala have launched investigations into a fire that gutted parts of Katwe Market in the early hours of Monday, destroying property worth millions of shillings.
The blaze broke out at around 1:00am in Kasule Zone within Katwe, according to eyewitnesses.
Traders said the fire is suspected to have started from an electrical short circuit before quickly spreading through several stalls in the busy market.
Some of the affected traders are vendors dealing in herbal medicine, poultry and other merchandise.The Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, SP Rachael Kawala, said police had commenced investigations to establish the exact cause of the fire.
“We have started investigations to determine the real cause of the fire. We call upon the affected traders to remain calm as the process continues,” Kawala said.
In the aftermath of the incident, traders whose businesses were destroyed appealed to government for assistance, saying many of them had lost all their merchandise in the blaze.
Despite the losses, they commended the police fire and rescue team for responding quickly to the scene.
The market chairman, Siraje Ssemugoma, said many traders have been left with nothing after the fire destroyed their property.
“Our traders have lost everything. We hope the Government can intervene and support those who have been affected,” he said.
Ssemugoma appealed to President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among to consider assisting the affected traders.
However, some traders expressed frustration with the police response.
One of the traders, Joseph Nsambu, said although the fire brigade responded quickly, some traders were unable to access the market to try and salvage their property because police had cordoned off the area leading into loss of their merchandises.
