By Kenneth Wamatoyi
JINJA
Properties and goods worth millions of shillings have been destroyed in a fire that gutted a warehouse in Jinja City at around 2:30 PM, Tuesday, 25th February, 2025 along Eng. Zikusoka road, former Obote Way.
According to eyewitnesses, the origin of the fire is unclear, but they suspect it may have been caused by electrical sparks from welding activities taking place in the warehouse.
The regional fire officer, SP Manisulu Isabirye, quickly dispatched his dedicated crew and fire trucks, with support from external stakeholders such as TASO, GM Sugar Limited, and Nytil, to contain the blaze at the warehouse, which temporarily stores imported goods belonging to various individuals.
SP James Mubi, the Kiira region spokesperson, stated that the efforts of the fire officers were instrumental in preventing the fire from spreading to the surrounding area, which houses UNOC oil tanks. Fortunately, no lives were lost or injuries sustained, and no vehicles were damaged, as the warehouse also functions as a parking yard for vehicles, among other activities.
Residents expressed their gratitude to the police for their swift response to the incident. SP Mubi mentioned that the RPC Kiira region, SSP Charles Nsaba, R/CID officer D/SSP Monday Johnson Agaba, were present at the scene and provided strategic direction during the operation.
Mubi also noted that the cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, the police have called on the city’s Building Control Committee (BCC) to include the regional fire officer on the committee to ensure more effective and comprehensive planning for the city’s development.
The full extent of the damage to the goods in the warehouse is yet to be determined as investigations are into the process.
