Traders operating in Kajubi Zone, Ndeeba Parish, Lubaga Division, Kampala, have been left in tears after a fire gutted their businesses, destroying their property and savings.
Salt TV visited Ndeeba this morning. We urge the affected traders to remain strong, though everything has been lost.
According to the traders, they started receiving mysterious phone calls at night around 5 a.m., warning them that a fire would hit their workplace and that their money would either be saved or lost.
Local leaders, including Kansala from City Hall, Daniel Semuli, were among the first responders assessing the traders' losses.
Semuli also revealed that Ndeeba Parish is prone to fire disasters. This latest incident marks one week since a similar fire destroyed spare parts shops in Kayanja Zone. However, it is surprising that the police have not yet released an official report.
Other affected individuals lamented that their livelihoods have been ruined, as all their capital was wiped out. They are now appealing to President Museveni’s government for assistance.
However, the traders have criticised their leaders, including the area Member of Parliament (Hon. Mukasa), the Mayor (Mberaze), and local councillors, for not yet visiting them to offer support, especially since elections are over and the fire has consumed their savings and property.
Police, too, have remained silent, with no clear statement on the cause of the fire.
The affected Mbaawo traders operated near the railway line. The railway authorities had previously warned them to vacate the area, but many, including food vendors, remained.
