Vendors operating in Kumi Road Market in Mbale City in eastern Uganda are counting losses after a fire gutted the market and destroyed their merchandise last night and the authorities have started investigations to find out the cause.

The fire that started at about 10PMm before spreading to the entire market burnt all wooden-made stalls destroying property worth millions and leaving traders in losses. This incident is one of the many occasions where markets have been destroyed by fires including St Balikuddembe market commonly known as Owino and others.

A devastating fire last night destroyed more than 50 shops and restaurants in a market in Mbale City which is home to a diverse array of traders dealing in groceries, charcoal, cereals and other forms of fresh foodstuff.

Steven Masuba, the General Secretary of the Market said that property worth millions was reduced to ashes in a matter of seconds. He said the fire spread quickly through the market due to the presence of flammable materials and the narrow alleys between the shops, making it difficult for firefighters to get the blaze under control.

According to him, the fire could have been from one of the vendor's stalls who supposedly left a fire in the shop boiling beans.

Northern City Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner Yahaya Were said the cause of the fire is not yet known, but authorities are investigating the incident.

Were said that they have resolved to institute a commission of inquiry into the matter and they are expecting a report by Tuesday next week adding that the destruction of people’s businesses by the inferno is a blow to the local economy and that efforts are underway to support those affected by the fire.

Police said they are investigating the cause of the fire. Milton Bilungi, the Elgon Regional CID Officer called on the traders to avail to police any information leading to the cause of the fire.

The Mbale City Mayor Kassim Namugali said that efforts should be made by both the city authorities and the market leaders to have the market reopened for vendors to resume their operations as they await other forms of help that will trickle in.
AYUBU