Police in Kassanda District have launched investigations into a devastating fire that destroyed homes, businesses, and other property in Kikadde Trading Centre, Lwensambya Village, Kitumbi Sub-county, leaving more than 200 residents stranded.
The fire broke out on June 20, 2026, at around 4:40 p.m. and is suspected to have been caused by an attempted illegal electricity connection.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident began when a man identified only as Kizza, reportedly a quack electrician commonly known as a "Kamyufu," climbed an electricity pole in the trading centre and tampered with the power supply while attempting to make an unauthorized connection.
Witnesses said the operation went wrong, causing sparks to erupt from the power lines.
"The man was trying to connect electricity illegally. When the sparks started, he quickly climbed down and fled the scene," one eyewitness said.
The sparks reportedly intensified and ignited a massive fire that rapidly spread through the trading centre, destroying several residential houses, shops, a clinic, and other semi-permanent structures.
According to the Wamala Regional Police spokesperson, SSP Lameck Kigozi, the inferno affected more than 200 residents, many of whom lost both their homes and sources of livelihood.
"The affected residents have been left stranded after the fire destroyed their businesses and property. Investigations into the exact cause and extent of the damage are ongoing," SSP Kigozi said.
The fire outbreak was reported to police by the chairperson of Lwensambya Village, Stephen Lwamulinda, prompting officers to visit the scene and commence investigations.
Police documented the scene and recorded statements from witnesses as part of the ongoing inquiries.
Authorities are also conducting an assessment to establish the value of the property destroyed and determine the full extent of the damage.
The suspect, Kizza, remains on the run, and police have launched a manhunt to apprehend him.
Security officials have since warned the public against engaging in illegal electricity connections, saying the practice poses serious risks to both life and property.
"Illegal power connections are extremely dangerous and can lead to loss of life and destruction of property. Those found engaging in such acts face severe penalties under the law," SSP Kigozi warned.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with unauthorized electricity installations and renewed calls for communities to rely only on certified electricians when seeking power connections.
