FIRE DESTROYS PROPERTY WORTH MILLIONS IN HOIMA

By Innocent Atuganyira
www.mknewslink.com
In Hoima—-

Business and traffic came to a standstill in Hoima City on Wednesday after a fire gutted a building, destroying merchandise worth hundreds of millions of shillings.

The fire which started at 8AM,according, to eye witnesses destroyed Kabalega building located along Butiba road opposite public primary school in Hoima town.

The traffic along the road was blocked for hours by police as the fire brigade tried to put out the fire.

The building was housing several businesses such as Boutiques, a fashion center, skills training center, Decoration shop, betting center and bars.

As police battled to put out the fire, Good Samaritans were busy helping the owners of the affected businesses to rescue their property.

Jimmy Balyesima, one of the affected businessmen who owns a decoration and arts and crafts centre said he has lost over Sh100 million.

Balyesima said the fire has also razed down Bunyoro Women Development Enterprises which is managed by his wife, the Hoima City deputy mayor Sylvia Nalumaga.

Pascal Kugonza, a saloon operator, revealed that they lost most of their machines in the inferno. He noted that the saloon was employing over five youths adding that they are worried on how they are going to survive.

Alex Wabwire, the City Police Commander, said police have been able to put out the fire.

He added the cause of the fire is not yet known but investigations have commenced.