FDC demands thorough investigation into Kigogwa fire tragedy
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has called for a thorough investigation into the tragic fuel tanker incident in Kigogwa that resulted in numerous fatalities.
Last week, a fuel tanker overturned on the Kampala-Bombo road in Kigogwa and subsequently caught fire, claiming the lives of at least 26 individuals.
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During a press conference in Kampala on Monday, Walid Lubega, the Deputy Secretary for Publicity at FDC, urged for a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire.
"We demand for a thorough, impartial investigation into the cause of the fire, full accountability, and improved disaster preparedness, safety standards and emergency response," Lubega said.
He expressed concerns that the government had not tackled the underlying problems related to disaster management, despite past similar occurrences, and suggested that fire brigade units be decentralized to local constituencies.
"We propose the decentralization fire brigade units to Sub Districts (constituencies) nearer to the people aims to enhance emergency response and accessibility.This move would ensure that fire services are more localized, reducing response times and improving effectiveness in combating fires," he said.
"We believe Fire stations closer to communities can respond swiftly to emergencies, saving lives and property and also localized fire services can navigate familiar terrain, reaching remote areas more efficiently," he added.
The party also argued that decentralized units can enhance community connections, leading to increased awareness and prevention of fire hazards.
Lubega suggested that if there had been a fire unit at the Nansana Municipality Headquarters, the tragedy could have been less severe.
On Monday, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, told journalists that while the death toll remained at 24 by the end of business on Sunday, two additional victims have since died.
“By yesterday evening, two more victims died at Kiruddu hospital to bring the death toll to 26,” Kituuma said.
The police mouthpiece stated that so far, 22 bodies have been retrieved by the relatives of the deceased, with only four still left.
While the police continue investigations into the incident, it has been reported that the fire originated from a nearby charcoal stove.
