Authorities from the Territorial Police in Kiira Region are investigating the origins of a devastating fire that engulfed eight residential temporary structures in Jinja City early Monday morning. The March 18, 2024 incident left property worth millions reduced to ashes.
According to reports, the fire broke out around 8 am in Masese 1 Village, Southern Division of Jinja City. The inferno quickly spread throughout the neighbourhood, fueled by the combustible materials used in the construction of the buildings, primarily iron sheets and timbers.
Regional Police Spokesperson, SP James Mubi, affirmed the swift spread of the fire due to the explosive nature of the structures. The police are diligently working to ascertain the cause of the blaze and to gather relevant information surrounding the incident.
“Kiira regional police fire brigade responded but the fire truck could not access the scene of crime, fire rescue and prevention service officers together with the local people resorted to the use of buckets to put out the fire, this has been successfully managed, though with a lot of challenges,” SP James Mubi said.
He added that no life was lost nor injuries sustained in the morning fire incident, but household items totalling an amount yet to be established were destroyed although police managed to save a few.
Police were yet to establish the actual cause of the fire by press time but preliminary findings pointed to the illegal power connection or unattended charcoal stove as a possible cause of the incident.
“This brings concern to relevant local leaders in the area to discourage and report all those involved in illegal power connections without fear or favour because the possible consequences of the bad practice involve loss of life and property and loss of government revenue hence leading to poor infrastructure in the country and increased cost of production for factories or businesses that need huge power consumption,” SP Mubi added.
“Police appeals to the city authority to design and advocate for proper housing schemes in such areas with proper access routes for emergency trucks to avoid a portioning the blame to police especially by self-seeking politicians who tend to utter baseless statements with intent to tarnish police image,” he added.
As investigations proceed, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents in the future. The community is encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement in providing any relevant details that may aid in the resolution of this unfortunate event.
