A devastating fire swept through part of Kalerwe Market in the early hours of this morning, destroying several wooden stalls and kiosks. The blaze, which started around 1:46 a.m. on the east end of the market along Gayaza Road, is suspected to have been caused by electrical sparks from illegal power connections and installations.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, reported that the Police’s swift response contained the fire. However, he urged UMEME to conduct regular inspections of electrical connections.
“We appeal to Umeme to ensure regular checks on electrical connections to prevent such incidents,” Owoyesigyire said. “Additionally, all electrical installations in kiosks and shops must be carried out by certified professionals,” he added.
According to eyewitness Alex Pijjo, the fire originated in a wooden structure used for welding. Although the flames initially subsided, they suddenly erupted again in the same unattended structure, leaving onlookers stunned.
“We initially thought someone was welding inside, perhaps working on a signpost,” Alex Pijjo recounted. “My friends and I decided to ignore it and sleep, but just 10 minutes later, we heard a loud explosion from the same kiosk. The fire then spread rapidly, engulfing nearby shops,” he added.
Pijjo described the desperate struggle to put out the fire. “Despite our efforts to extinguish the flames, the fire spread at an alarming rate, overpowering us,” he explained. “By the time the Fire and Rescue Service arrived, the entire market was engulfed, resulting in catastrophic damage.”
Fred Ntulume, another vendor at Kalerwe Market, expressed frustration, stating that his entire livelihood was destroyed due to the delayed arrival of the Police Fire and Rescue Brigade. “They arrived nearly 40 minutes after the fire started, by which time everything was already razed to the ground,” he lamented.
A senior police officer from the Fire and Rescue Service, who was part of the response team, attributed the delayed arrival to challenging accessibility issues. “We faced significant difficulties reaching the scene due to poor road conditions, narrow pathways, and severe congestion. We did our best, but upon arrival, the entire area was already engulfed in flames,” said the officer.
“Unfortunately, several properties were destroyed. We’re now conducting a thorough search to determine if anyone was trapped inside, possibly asleep, but our efforts were initially hindered by the narrow roads that delayed our response,” the officer explained.
The fire outbreak at Kalerwe Market has left many market vendors counting their losses.
Although electrical short-circuiting is suspected as the cause, some vendors believe that ongoing leadership wrangles among different parties vying for control of the market may have played a role. Last month, a blaze in Kyamuka Zone, Kamwokya, leftover 100 people homeless, and the cause of that fire remains unknown.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum