Kampala – Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has demanded an independent and thorough investigation into the fire that gutted timber and food vendor stalls in Ndeeba on Monday morning, leaving dozens of traders in distress.
While visiting the scene, Lukwago expressed concern that the blaze was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern.
He warned that some individuals with ulterior motives might be using repeated fires to displace traders from the area.
He pointed out that similar incidents have occurred at the same location, with claims surfacing that the land lies within a railway reserve or under high-voltage power lines—narratives that could be used to justify evicting vendors.
At the site, traders sat among the charred remains of their stalls, some attempting to salvage what they could.
A few had begun rebuilding, but most said they lacked the capital to resume business.
Lukwago urged the traders to stay united, saying solidarity would help them resist any attempts to force them out.
He assured them of continued support and revealed that the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness had pledged to provide assistance soon. As an immediate relief effort, he donated Shs2 million to aid recovery.
Leaders of the affected vendors, led by chairperson Meddie Kabaleebe, voiced frustration over what they described as a lack of meaningful support since the fire.
They also criticised politicians who, they claimed, had abandoned them during this crisis.
Traders stressed that rebuilding will require substantial financial help, especially to replace lost