Fire Guts Nyendo Waragi Depot, Businesses Lost In Inferno

Masaka City – A fierce fire broke out at a waragi (local gin) depot in Kyacaafu zone, Market Cell, Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, reducing merchandise worth millions of shillings to ashes in the early hours of Tuesday.  

The blaze, which started from a charcoal stove inside the alcohol storage facility, quickly spread to neighboring shops and market stalls, causing panic among residents. Eyewitnesses reported that the firefighting efforts were hampered by inadequate water supply in the police fire truck that first responded to the emergency.  

"The fire truck came with very little water and couldn't contain the flames," lamented Kiwuuwa Goefrey, the local council chairperson. "By the time additional support arrived, the damage was already extensive."  

The incident has raised serious concerns about Masaka's preparedness for fire emergencies as the city expands. Residents noted that despite Masaka's growth into a major urban center, firefighting capacity hasn't kept pace with development.  

Kiyimba Mahad, one of the affected business owners, lost his entire stock of beverages in the inferno. "I've been left with nothing but ashes," he told reporters, appealing to local leaders for support to rebuild his business.  

The Kyacaafu area, known for its dense concentration of bars and liquor businesses, presented particular challenges for fire containment due to the flammable nature of the products stored there. Some residents suggested the area's reputation as a drinking hub may have contributed to delayed response from authorities.  

ASP Faizal Magumba, the Greater Masaka Police spokesperson, confirmed investigations into the fire's cause while defending the emergency response. "Our teams did their best under the circumstances," he stated, promising a full review of the incident.  

As victims survey the charred remains of their livelihoods, questions linger about when Masaka will get the modern firefighting equipment needed to protect its growing commercial sector. The city last experienced a major market fire in 2021 that destroyed property worth billions of shillings.  

Local leaders have called for an emergency meeting to discuss fire safety measures, while affected business owners begin the painful process of rebuilding with little hope of compensation.