More than 200 residents have been left homeless following a fire that tore through Kikadde Trading Centre in Lwensambya Village, Kitumbi Sub-county, Kassanda District.
The fire destroyed homes, businesses, and property worth millions of shillings. The fire broke out on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at around 4:40 p.m., triggering panic among residents as flames rapidly spread across the busy trading centre.
According to the Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, Lameck Kigozi, preliminary investigations indicate that the blaze was caused by an attempted illegal electricity connection.
Kigozi explained that eyewitnesses reported seeing a man identified only as Kizza, a suspected quack electrician, locally known as a “Kamyufu,” climb an electricity pole and allegedly tamper with the power supply in an attempt to make an unauthorized connection.”Shortly after he started working on the power line, sparks emerged from the pole. Realizing the danger, the suspect reportedly climbed down and fled the scene,” Kigozi said.
The sparks later intensified, igniting a fire that quickly spread to nearby structures, fueled by closely built houses and business premises within the trading centre.The inferno reduced several residential houses, shops, a clinic, and other semi-permanent structures to ashes, leaving more than 200 residents without shelter and destroying sources of livelihood for many families.
“The affected residents have been left stranded after their businesses and homes were destroyed by the fire. Many of them spent the night in the cold while others sought refuge with neighbors and relatives,” Kigozi added.
Residents watched helplessly as the flames consumed their property before emergency responders could contain the situation.Police officers rushed to the scene after receiving a report from the area LC I Chairperson, but found much of the property already reduced to ashes.
The scene was documented,d and statements were recorded from witnesses to aid ongoing investigations. Police and local leaders are currently assessing the extent of the damage and establishing the total value of the property lost in the incident. ”The suspect identified only as Kizza is still at large, and efforts to trace and apprehend him are ongoing so that he can answer charges related to this incident,” Kigozi said.
Police have since cautioned members of the public against engaging in illegal electricity connections, warning that such practices pose serious risks to life and property and attract severe legal penalties. The fire has once again highlighted concerns over unsafe power connections in trading centres and rural communities, with authorities calling for greater vigilance and adherence to electricity safety regulations. URN