A massive fire has gutted the Mini Triangle Zone in Makerere Kavule, destroying furniture workshops and property worth millions of shillings. The blaze, whose cause remains unclear, left business owners counting heavy losses as police and local residents struggled for hours to contain the flames in one of Kampala’s busiest informal business hubs. Our reporter brings us the details.

Chaos and panic gripped Makerere Kavule after a fierce fire broke out in the Mini Triangle Zone, just behind the offices of the National Unity Platform.
Police trucks, fire brigade vehicles, and heavily armed officers dominated the scene as security personnel were deployed to control crowds and secure the area while firefighters battled the raging inferno.
Business owners watched helplessly as their investments were reduced to ashes, with furniture workshops, timber stores, and retail shops destroyed in the blaze.

The Mini Triangle Zone is widely known for its tightly packed workshops and vibrant business activity, where craftsmen make sofa sets and chairs, mechanics repair vehicles, welders shape metals, and small shops serve the surrounding community.
But on this day, the same congestion that defines the area became one of the biggest obstacles in fighting the flames, making access difficult for emergency responders.

According to Superintendent of Police Okobo Godfrey from the Operations Department of the Uganda Police Fire and Rescue Services, firefighters responded immediately after receiving the first distress call at around midday. However, reaching the center of the fire proved difficult due to the narrow and congested access routes.

He added that firefighters managed to save a nearby timber building from being consumed by the flames.
Residents gave differing accounts about the possible cause of the fire.

Nsubuga Karim alleged that the blaze may have started after a child attempted to burn rubbish near an exposed electric wire suspected to have caused a short circuit. With highly flammable materials such as sponge and timber stored in the workshops, the fire spread rapidly through the furniture-making businesses.
He also claimed that amid the confusion, several items were stolen from nearby shops.

The area chairman described Mini Triangle as a hub of craftsmanship and enterprise, saying the area is well known for furniture production and upholstery work that supports many families.

David Sserukenya, the MP Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, was among the first leaders to arrive at the scene after reportedly receiving misinformation that his party headquarters had caught fire.
He says he jumped onto a boda boda and rushed to the area hoping to save some materials before they were consumed by the flames.

He urged Ugandans and city planners to ensure proper access roads are left during construction to enable fire brigades to respond effectively during emergencies.
As firefighters and security officers focused on containing the disaster, another disturbing situation emerged.

Residents say criminal gangs took advantage of the confusion to loot nearby businesses that had not been affected by the fire.
One restaurant owner recounted how suspected thieves stormed his premises and stole food items during the height of the commotion.
Police say investigations into both the cause of the fire and the reported looting incidents are now underway.

Authorities are yet to establish the exact cause of the fire as affected business owners begin assessing the extent of the losses. Meanwhile, leaders are calling for improved urban planning and better emergency access routes to prevent similar disasters in the future.