More than 200 residents were left homeless and property worth millions of shillings destroyed after a devastating fire swept through Kikadde Trading Centre in Kitumbi Sub-county, Kassanda District, on Saturday evening.
According to police, the fire broke out at around 4:40pm on June 20, 2026, and is suspected to have been triggered by an illegal electricity connection attempt.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a man identified only as Kizza, described by witnesses as an unlicensed electrician, climbed an electricity pole in the trading centre and allegedly tampered with the power supply while attempting an illegal connection. Witnesses said sparks immediately erupted from the power lines, prompting the suspect to quickly descend from the pole and flee the scene.
The sparks reportedly intensified and ignited a massive fire that rapidly spread through the busy trading centre, reducing shops, residential houses, a clinic, and several semi-permanent structures to ashes.
The disaster has left hundreds of residents stranded, with many losing both their homes and sources of livelihood. Business owners watched helplessly as their merchandise and property were consumed by the flames.
The incident was reported to police by the Lwensambya Village Chairperson, Stephen Lwamulinda.
The Wamala Region police spokesperson, Lameck Kigozi said police officers responded to the scene, documented the destruction, and recorded statements from witnesses as investigations commenced.
Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, while the suspect remains on the run.
Police have urged members of the public to avoid illegal power connections, warning that such acts pose serious risks to life and property and carry severe legal consequences.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
