Millions lost as fire guts Jinja market

The Business community and residents of Loco village slum in Jinja central division are counting losses after a night fire that gutted their property and businesses.

Some of the properties burnt to ashes include nearly 100 kiosks that house several retail shops, restaurants, and other wooden residential makeshift structures.

Police fire brigade and other fire fighters from private companies like Nytil, Tasco,Nileply  in collaboration with locals managed to put down fire that threatened the entire slum.

According to eyewitnesses the fire on Tuesday night was sparked off by a short circuit when power went off and came back instantly.

"Power went off at around 8:30Pm and it immediately came back with high voltage leading to some electrical appliances to spark off" said one of the eyewitnesses.

When we reached the scene, many helpless residents were still in shock pondering the next step after they lost virtually everything.

"I have lost everything I had. The entire house was burnt. I don't know where to start from" one of the helpless victims lamented.

Kiira Region Police Fire brigade boss ASP Collins Agaba said police is yet to ascertain the cause of the fire

"We have despatched a team of experts to ascertain the cause of this fire, we shall brief you later. he said.

Loco village is one of the slums in Jinja Municipality populated by wooden makeshift structures.

By Hakim Kanyere