Police are investigating circumstances under which a fire swept through Kalerwe Market in Kampala on Monday morning, causing significant damage to several wooden stalls before firefighters could contain it.
Authorities believe that electrical sparks from unauthorised power connections may have triggered the blaze.
The fire, which broke out at approximately 1:46 a.m. on the east end of the market along Gayaza Road, spread quickly through the densely packed kiosks, primarily constructed from wood.
Police said the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services responded promptly and successfully extinguished the flames before they could cause further destruction.
“Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have resulted from electrical sparks caused by illegal power connections and installations in the market’s kiosks,” said ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, in a press statement.
With investigations underway, the police are calling on Umeme, the electricity distributor, to conduct frequent inspections in markets where wooden structures are predominant, a measure they believe would prevent future incidents.
Authorities also emphasised the need for all electrical work in market kiosks and shops to be completed by certified professionals.
No injuries or fatalities were reported in the incident.
Urban expansion
Uganda has experienced a notable rise in fire outbreaks in recent years, particularly in urban marketplaces where illegal power connections are prevalent.
In 2023, Uganda Police’s Directorate of Fire Prevention and Rescue Services documented over 800 fire incidents across the country, with markets among the most vulnerable locations.
Market fires are often intensified by the dense clustering of stalls and the use of flammable materials like wood, as seen in Kalerwe Market.
Police data shows that nearly 40% of fire incidents in markets are attributed to unauthorised or poorly maintained electrical installations, a factor commonly seen in informal trade environments.
In Kampala alone, a substantial number of market fires have been traced to illegal connections, which are often pursued by vendors attempting to reduce operating costs but inadvertently heighten fire risks.
These fires typically cause extensive damage to property and disrupt livelihoods, although fatalities are rare due to low occupancy during nighttime hours when many incidents occur.
Police have advocated for regular inspections by Umeme, especially in high-risk locations with temporary structures, as a way to reduce the frequency and impact of such fires.
The law enforcement body also stressed the importance of certified electricians handling market installations, a step that could drastically decrease the likelihood of electrical fires.
The government and local authorities have been urged to reinforce these safety measures as Kampala and other cities grow and urban marketplaces expand.
