By Omulangira Mudoola Miika
The recent devastating fire that tore through Iganga Main Street on the night of October 3rd, 2024, left a trail of destruction and raised critical concerns about fire safety in Iganga and the wider Busoga East region. The loss of billions of shillings worth of property, including well-established businesses like Star Times, City Tyres, and several others, was very heartbreaking, but what’s more alarming is the glaring deficiency in our emergency response system.
This tragedy exposed a crisis we can no longer afford to ignore. For far too long, the people of Iganga and Busoga East have been vulnerable, relying on a fire engine stationed miles away in Jinja. When every second counts in saving lives and property, the current state of our fire safety infrastructure is not just inefficient it is life-threatening. As a community, we are at a crossroads, and the time for action is now.
The absence of a functional fire engine in Iganga is an indictment of our political leaders’ failure to address one of the most basic safety needs. It’s not enough to offer condolences after the damage is done.
We need more than words we need decisive action. We need our political representatives to advocate for the allocation of a fully equipped fire engine for Iganga Municipality, serving the entire Busoga East region. Lives and livelihoods are on the line.
Fire safety should not be a luxury reserved for urban centres like Jinja. It is a basic necessity for every community. The tragic loss of property in Iganga could have been mitigated, if not entirely prevented, by a faster and more coordinated response. The delayed arrival of the fire brigade is a stark reminder that our current systems are failing us.
The police fire department must prioritize the deployment of an operational fire engine to Iganga. It’s inconceivable that in 2024, an entire municipality is left exposed to such risks. We are calling upon the department to address this issue with the urgency it demands. We cannot afford another disaster like this.
Our political leaders, too, must go beyond issuing statements of concern. This is an opportunity for them to prove their commitment to their constituents by allocating the necessary funds for fire safety equipment, personnel, and training. They must ensure that fire safety becomes an integral part of local government planning. The safety of our communities depends on their leadership and advocacy.
But it’s not just about the authorities. We, the general public, have a role to play as well. Fire safety begins with awareness. Every household, business, and institution must familiarize themselves with basic fire prevention and evacuation protocols.
We need to be vigilant, ensuring that electrical appliances, gas installations, and flammable materials are handled with care. Fire safety drills, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms should become commonplace in our homes and businesses. Complacency can no longer be an option.
This fire should be a wake-up call for all of us. The safety of Iganga and Busoga East is a shared responsibility. By working together with citizens, political leaders, and fire departments alike we can prevent future tragedies and protect our communities from the devastating impact of fires.
Let this disaster be the turning point. Let us demand better from our leaders and take proactive steps as individuals. Iganga and Busoga East deserve a future where fire safety is a priority, not an afterthought. It’s time for collective action.
The writer is a politician and station manager at Apex FM Iganga
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