A devastating fire swept through a row of kiosks on Kinawataka Road in Kireka C, Namugongo Division, claiming the life of a three-month-old infant and leaving several small businesses in ruins.
The blaze reportedly began around 7pm on Monday evening.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the fire rapidly consumed kiosks selling packed foods, alcohol, and other retail goods.
The infant was trapped in a kiosk at the time, and despite frantic rescue efforts by residents, the child succumbed to the flames.
The mother, whose identity has been withheld, suffered burns and smoke inhalation and was rushed to a nearby medical facility.
Initial investigations suggest that an electrical fault in a packed-foods kiosk may have sparked the inferno, which quickly spread to neighboring stalls, destroying property estimated to be worth millions of shillings.
Residents expressed frustration over what they described as a delayed response from authorities, lamenting that the infant’s life might have been saved with quicker intervention.
Richard Balikowa, the village chairperson, confirmed the infant was asleep in the kiosk when the fire broke out.
“The mother was in a state of panic and had to be taken away, only to realize the tragic fate of her child,” he said.
In response, three fire trucks were dispatched from Bweyogerere, Mbuya, and Jinja Road police stations.
Despite the efforts of the fire brigade and community members, much of the property was destroyed before the fire could be brought under control.
Residents are now appealing to the government for support to rebuild their livelihoods and recover from the economic and emotional impact of the fire.
Rachel Kawala, police spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Area, confirmed that investigations into the cause of the fire and the loss of life are ongoing.
“A thorough inquiry will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragedy,” she said.
The incident underscores the dangers posed by electrical faults and highlights the need for stringent safety measures in informal business areas.
The Kireka community remains in shock over the loss of life and property, with hopes that the investigation will provide answers and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
