Da Dona
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- Dec 16, 2025
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More than 200 residents have been left homeless after a fire destroyed homes, shops and other property at Kikade Trading Centre in Kassanda District, in the second fire outbreak to hit the area within a month.
The fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at about 4:40 p.m. in Lwensambya Village, Kitumbi Sub-county, before spreading rapidly through the busy trading centre. Preliminary findings by police suggest the fire may have started after an illegal electricity connection was being made at a power pole.
Eyewitnesses said they saw sparks coming from overhead electricity wires before flames quickly spread to nearby structures. Residents attempted to fight the fire, but it intensified and consumed several buildings, leaving many families unable to rescue their belongings.
Several residential and commercial buildings were destroyed, including retail shops, clinics, boutiques, food stores, bars and homes. Many victims lost household items, business stock and personal property, with some left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.
The incident has caused fear among residents because it comes barely a month after another fire outbreak in the same trading centre. Local leaders said the latest fire started from an area affected by the previous incident, hitting families who were still trying to recover from earlier losses.
Kassanda Central Police Station officers responded to the scene, cordoned off the area and began documenting the incident. Scene of Crime Officers collected statements from eyewitnesses and local leaders as investigations continue.
Police have opened investigations to establish the exact cause of the fire and are pursuing a person suspected of involvement in the illegal power connection. Authorities have also warned residents against unauthorised electricity connections, saying they put communities at serious risk.
Meanwhile, affected families are seeking urgent support as they begin rebuilding their lives after losing homes and businesses. Local leaders have appealed for assistance for the displaced residents as security remains in place to prevent theft and protect victims’ remaining belongings.
Source: Daily Monitor UG
