Wholesale traders in Kicollege, Central Division of Kabale Municipality are counting heavy losses after a fire gutted a commercial building where they operate, destroying merchandise worth millions of shillings.
The blaze is reported to have started in several stores before rapidly spreading to the main shops. Well-wishers and traders intervened to salvage some items, moving them outside, but the fire quickly engulfed the entire building.
No fatalities were reported. Firefighters from the Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services, based at Kabale Central Police Station, responded promptly and managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring buildings.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as flames tore through the premises. Agatha Musiimenta sympathised with the traders for the loss of property, while Abel Twinamastiko said he was alerted by people whispering that a fire had broken out and, on arrival, found five stores already burning.
Another witness, Joshua Nuwagaba, commended members of the public for working with police to manage the situation and thanked God that no one was injured. Deus Aturinda said that among the losses was a cat that was burnt beyond recognition.
CUE IN EYE WITNESSES…. ON THE INCIDENT……RR//
By press time, the cause of the fire had not yet been established, and police were yet to issue an official comment.
