A fierce fire ripped through a cluster of timber stalls at Kiwanga Lwanda village along the Jinja Road on Wednesday, completely destroying several old wooden structures and valuable goods worth millions of shillings.
The blaze broke out around 12:00 noon and spread rapidly through the densely packed timber yards, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the fire had already raged out of control, overwhelming the wooden stalls and the merchandise inside.
Traders and bystanders desperately tried to salvage timber and other goods, but the flames moved too quickly, leaving most of the property in ashes.
One affected trader, Nnalongo Margaret Mukasa, stood in tears as she surveyed the destruction. “Everything I had is gone,” she said, her voice breaking. “All my goods have been destroyed. I am appealing to the government to help us recover from this loss.”
Local leaders expressed deep concern over the location of the timber stalls, which sit dangerously close to the Mogas petrol station. Mr. Lugoloobi Kasirivu, chairperson of Kiwanga Lwanda village, led a group of local officials at the scene.
“The cause of the fire is not yet known,” he said. “But what worries us most is how close these timber stalls are to the fuel station. This is very dangerous, and something must be done about it.”
Kasirivu also commended the firefighters for their bravery in battling the blaze despite the challenges they faced.
Residents and traders at the scene pointed to heavy traffic congestion on the Jinja Road as one of the reasons firefighters were delayed. Some criticised the slow response, while others acknowledged the difficult conditions caused by the jam.
There are two petrol stations in the immediate area, including the nearby Unique fuel station, heightening fears about future risks.
Firefighters eventually managed to bring the inferno under control after a determined effort.
The Deputy Spokesperson of the Kampala Metropolitan Police, Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed the incident and assured the public that no lives were lost.
“Property worth millions of shillings has been destroyed, but thankfully, there were no fatalities,” Owoyesigyire said. “Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. We urge the public to remain vigilant, especially when handling fire in their homes and businesses.”
The incident has sparked fresh calls from the community for stricter regulations on the placement of fuel stations near timber yards and other high-risk areas.
“We must learn from this,” said one trader who witnessed the fire. “Fuel stations should not be built near timber yards. It is extremely hazardous.”
As smoke continued to rise from the smouldering remains late in the afternoon, affected traders began counting their losses while hoping for government support to rebuild their livelihoods.
Authorities have promised a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.
