By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
A massive fire on Wednesday night, 10th June, 2026 razed business buildings and kiosks, destroying property worth millions of shillings in Mbale City.
The blaze started at around 10:30 p.m. at Mukanga, near Fahaab Petrol Station in Bugema, Mbale City, Industrial Division, leaving over 200 traders and carpenters affected.
Properties destroyed included furniture, shops, and machinery, among others.
According to Robert Wakoba, one of the affected carpenters, the police fire brigade responded with two trucks in an attempt to contain the fire, but arrived too late after most of the property had already been reduced to ash.
Wakoba added that the government should intervene and support them, as many had been operating using bank loans.
Ivan Wakalanga, another affected trader, said no deaths were reported because the fire broke out after traders had returned home.
Rogers Taitika, the Elgon Region police spokesperson, confirmed the incident and said police are still investigating the cause of the fire.
