On 27th July 2025, at around 13:05 hrs, police were called to a fire in Kiryatete East Cell, Southern Ward, Hoima East Division, Hoima City. The fire brigade managed to control the blaze at a commercial building. While some rooms were saved, others were damaged by the fire along with various household items.
The previous Friday, on 25th July 2025 around 10:00 hrs, a fire broke out at the Hima Cement Factory located in Karungibaati Cell, Hima Town Council, Kasese District. Workers noticed flames coming from a conveyor belt. The factory administration reported the incident to police, who responded promptly and extinguished the fire.
Earlier, on Tuesday 22 July 2025 at around 20:00 hrs, security guards at Kiboko Enterprises’ warehouse in Kasanvu Zone, Kisugu Parish, Makindye Division, Kampala City, spotted smoke and fire coming from the rooftop and notified the police.
Fire and rescue teams quickly responded and put out the fire, which caused extensive damage to the warehouse. Fortunately, no lives were lost or injuries recorded in any of these incidents.
Our observations indicate several fire safety challenges:
Many businesses lack adequate fire safety measures, increasing their vulnerability to fire, especially those dealing with highly flammable materials.
Fire hydrants are either absent or ineffective within most business premises, limiting firefighting efforts due to the need for frequent refilling from distant sources.
Most premises do not have essential firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire action plans, signage, or hose reels, relying instead on chance.
Workers often do not know the procedures to follow during a fire outbreak, including when and how to contact fire services, causing delays in response.
Many fire scenes, particularly warehouses, are difficult to access due to poor layout, lack of walkways, and overcrowded storage, complicating evacuation and endangering both firefighters and workers.
The directorate has been actively sensitizing many companies on fire safety and will continue doing so.
We urge:
The public to prioritize fire safety and to report fire emergencies immediately by calling 080 0121222.
Implementation of regular fire emergency drills for all workers, as they are the first line of defense.
Emphasizing prevention as the best method to combat fires by maintaining fire safety at all times.
Specifically, regarding the fire at Kiboko Enterprises, although fire extinguishers were available, the fire hose had low water pressure, limiting its effectiveness.
ACP KITUUMA RUSOKE
PRO-UPF
