MUKONO — Police in Mukono have launched investigations into a fire outbreak that gutted two workshops early Wednesday morning, leaving significant property damage but no casualties.
According to a press statement issued by Luke Owoyesigyire, the incident occurred at about 7:20 a.m. in Kiwanga–Lwanda Cell, Nantabulirwa Ward, Goma Division in Mukono Municipality.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire started at Birimuye Metal Workshop, specifically in the welding section, before spreading to a nearby timber workshop located along the busy Kampala–Jinja Highway.
“According to preliminary eyewitness accounts, the fire is suspected to have originated from sparks caused by a faulty electrical connection,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police officers from Coca-Cola Police Post, working together with fire crews from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services headquarters, responded swiftly to the scene and managed to contain and extinguish the blaze before it could spread further.
The emergency response, however, led to temporary disruption of traffic along the Kampala–Jinja Highway for about 30 minutes, as motorists were diverted to alternative routes. Traffic has since returned to normal.
Authorities reported extensive destruction, particularly at the timber workshop, where carpentry machines, finished timber products, door frames, tables, and other materials were destroyed. The estimated value of the loss is put at approximately UGX 100 million.
No injuries or fatalities were recorded in the incident.
Police say investigations into the exact cause of the fire are ongoing and have urged the public to prioritize proper electrical installations and safety precautions to prevent similar occurrences.
