Kampala, (UG):- The Police in Kampala are investigating the exact cause of the fire that swept through Kalerwe Market leaving several wooden stalls and property worth millions razed down to ashes before firefighters could contain it on Monday morning.
The fire, which broke out at approximately 1:46 a.m. on the east end of the market along Gayaza Road, spread quickly through the densely packed kiosks, primarily constructed from wood.
Police in a statement on Monday morning said the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services responded promptly and successfully extinguished the flames before they could cause further destruction but noted that the electrical sparks from unauthorised power connections may have triggered the blaze.
“Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have resulted from electrical sparks caused by illegal power connections and installations in the market’s kiosks,” ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, said in a press statement.
With investigations underway, police called upon Umeme, the electricity distributor, to conduct frequent inspections in markets where wooden structures are predominant, a measure they believe would prevent future incidents.
Mr Owoyesigyire also emphasised the need for all electrical work in market kiosks and shops to be completed by certified professionals.
Recent market fire incidents
Uganda has experienced a notable rise in fire outbreaks in recent years, particularly in urban marketplaces where illegal power connections are prevalent.
In 2023, Uganda Police’s Directorate of Fire Prevention and Rescue Services documented over 800 fire incidents across the country, with markets among the most vulnerable locations.
Market fires are often intensified by the dense clustering of stalls and the use of flammable materials like wood, as seen in Kalerwe Market.
Police data shows that nearly 40% of fire incidents in markets are attributed to unauthorised or poorly maintained electrical installations, a factor commonly seen in informal trade environments.
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