A fire outbreak in Kalerwe Market, one of Kampala’s busiest trading hubs, has left traders counting heavy losses after several businesses and workshops were destroyed in the blaze.
According to local media reports, the fire broke out in the Kalerwe area of Kampala and quickly spread through a furniture workshop near the market, sending thick smoke into the sky as firefighters rushed to contain the flames.
The Uganda Police Force fire brigade responded to the incident and battled the blaze to prevent it from spreading to nearby structures in the densely populated commercial area. Investigations into the cause of the fire were launched after the flames were brought under control.
Although no casualties were immediately reported, traders said they lost merchandise and equipment worth millions of shillings, with many small businesses destroyed by the fire.
Kalerwe market, located along Gayaza Road near the Northern Bypass about 5 kilometres from Kampala city centre, is one of Uganda’s largest produce markets and a key trading point for fruits, vegetables and meat supplied from several districts across the country.
Authorities said police and fire investigators will continue assessing the damage and determining the possible cause of the blaze. Fires in crowded markets often spread quickly due to the close spacing of wooden stalls and electrical installations.
The incident adds to a series of market fires reported in Kampala in recent years, which have left traders suffering heavy financial losses and renewed calls for improved fire safety measures in busy commercial areas.
