MUGABE R
Roadside vendors at Bikurungu Junction are counting their losses after a fire destroyed four stalls and caused damage worth millions of shillings.
Eyewitnesses say the fire, suspected to have started from faulty electric circuit breakers, consumed stalls operating a salon, garage, hotel, and retail shop, destroying stock and other property.
Affected business owners, including hotelier Specius Nabaasa, shop owner Joan Nabaasa, garage operator Lodini Taremwa, and salon owner Precius Ainembabazi, said the fire destroyed properties bought on loan, which served as their sole source of family income.
Liberty Kisakyakatonda, Chairperson of the local traders, said the fire erupted around 10 p.m. and expressed frustration at police for dispersing vendors during rescue efforts. He called for urgent support for those left stranded by the disaster.
Landlord of the stalls, Alex Tumusime, lamented the loss of his capital and urged the government to enforce stricter regulations on electrical safety, citing poor wiring as a contributing factor.
Emmanuel Mwebesa, District Councilor representing Bikurungu Town Council, condemned the incident and called on the government to provide fire extinguishers at sub-county offices to enable rapid response and safeguard lives and property.
Bikurungu Town Council Mayor Wallen Kajuna consoled the affected business owners and promised to document the losses and petition the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness for compensation.
