Fire destroys merchandise in Buwama town
Men try to put out fire from one of the stores. Photo by Sadat Mbogo
MPIGI- Merchandise worth millions has Tuesday been destroyed by a fire that gutted a building containing a stationery shop and two stores of general merchandise in Buwama town, Mpigi District.
According to Mr John Baptist Kasango, the officer in charge of Buwama Police Station, the fire which started at about 8.30 am was caused by a burning charcoal stove.
“Our preliminary investigations show that one of the tenants left a burning charcoal stove in her room and left for work,” he said.
Hajji Abdul Ssembatya, one of the affected traders said: "Police hasn't helped us. Can you believe that we informed them hours ago but up to now (10:00am), no fire fighter has come to put out the fire?"
Daily Monitor has learnt that police in Katonga region that covers Mpigi, Butambala and Gomba district have no fire truck that could help in case of emergencies.
Traders use rudeimentary tools like water pipes to fight the fire. Photo by Sadat Mbogo
Mr Kasango said more investigations are going on but blamed traders who fail to comply with security measures.
“We inspected all the traders last month in this area and advised them to buy fire extinguishers but they failed,” Mr Kasango said.
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