Millions lost as fire guts Centenary Bank offices at Iganga Branch

Iganga, (UG):- The Territorial Police in Iganga District is actively investigating the fire outbreak whose cause is yet to be established which destroyed part of Centenary Bank offices and left items estimated to have monetary value destroyed to ashes on Friday evening.

Busoga East police spokesperson SSP Diana Nandawula confirmed the 11 pm fire, saying police were called for action and it was extinguished before spreading to sensitive areas of the bank.

“We received information about the 11 pm fire at Centenary Bank Iganga branch and rushed to the scene and contained the fire which is suspected to have resulted from power according to preliminary findings. It affected furniture, part of the file cabin, the window and some cameras,” SSP Nandawula revealed in a brief statement on Saturday morning, adding that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The branch manager of Iganga’s Centenary Bank, Mr James Taliwaku told DailyExpress that he was informed and cooperated with police to extinguish the fire. He says the cause of the fire has not yet been established but they are suggesting short-circuit issues.

“I got a call that the branch had caught fire and I rushed to the scene. A colleague had already informed the police who responded in time and worked collectively to put out the fire,” Mr Taliwaku said on Saturday morning.

He said that the extent of damage is not alarming citing that only two rooms were affected by the fire and suggested that it could have resulted from a short-circuit around the fan and the Air Conditioner (AC).

“The fire affected two rooms i.e. the area which serves corporate customers and the Assistant manager’s office. The furniture which was in the rooms, the fan which we suspect that it’s where fire started from, an AC and ceiling were destroyed,” he said.

“The wiring of the building was affected and it is the reason why we are currently in the blackout and we are failing to restore service. In the meantime, we are advising our customers to use alternative channels, mostly the Agents around us and the mobile banking that are helping us to serve our customers,” Mr Taliwaku added.

He also revealed that normal service will resume at the bank hall once power is restored and also urged the public to be calm citing that no damage was caused to sensitive bank information and money.

“The good news is that the vital areas of the bank are fine and intact and other equipment and areas were not affected at all. Our dear customers should not get worried because everything is in control and the service will be restored soon with support from UMEME and other service providers,” Mr. Taliwaku said.