Police in Kampala are investigating a fire that broke out at the Original Kisekka Spare Centre on Thursday afternoon, destroying one shop and partially damaging another.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the fire broke out at about 12:30pm at the spare parts centre.
The fire affected two shops, BB4 and BB5, located in the basement of the building.
Police said shop BB4 was completely burnt, while BB5 sustained partial damage.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have started from sparks generated during welding activities outside one of the affected shops.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have originated from sparks generated during welding activities outside one of the affected shops,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services responded to the incident and contained the fire before it spread to other parts of the building.
Detectives and Scene of Crime Officers later visited and processed the scene as investigations began to establish the exact cause of the fire.
One of the affected shop owners reportedly fainted at the scene and was taken to hospital for medical attention.
No deaths were reported.
Police said the welder, identified only as Sebulime, fled the scene and is currently being sought as investigators work to establish his whereabouts.
The value of the property damaged in the fire had not yet been established.
The investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.
