UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Damalie Nantaba’s sorrowful words echo the sentiments of countless Ugandan entrepreneurs who have endured substantial losses due to fires in commercial properties, emphasising the critical need for heightened fire safety measures in commercial buildings.
Nantaba, a trader who lost her restaurant in a fire at City House on December 11, 2023, reflects the dire situation faced by many individuals grappling with the aftermath of preventable fire disasters.
Her poignant plea underscores the devastating impact of such incidents on businesses and livelihoods, urging urgent action to address this pressing issue.
According to annual police crime reports, Ugandan businesses have witnessed over 1,000 fire incidents in commercial facilities over the past five years. This alarming statistic highlights the pervasive nature of the problem and its profound implications for entrepreneurs like Nantaba, who invest their savings or take on significant loans to establish and sustain their small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Shakib Nsubuga, an expert in the SME sector, reveals that 75 per cent of businesses in Uganda do not survive beyond their first year, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge faced by entrepreneurs in the country.
To mitigate this risk, building owners must fulfil their proactive role in fire prevention by incorporating comprehensive fire safety measures in commercial facilities.
Derrick Agaba, Communications Officer at the Safety and Health Association of Uganda & Environmental Health and Safety Officer at Luweero Industries Ltd., emphasises the importance of integrating fire suppression systems, emergency exits, fire-resistant walls, and firefighting equipment during the construction phase of commercial buildings.
Additionally, clear communication of emergency response procedures to occupants through appropriate signage is essential for effective crisis management.
Examining the City House fire, it becomes evident that inadequate escape routes exacerbated the severity of the incident.
Building Control Regulations of 2020 mandate building owners to integrate fire safety management systems into construction plans, highlighting the critical role of proactive fire prevention measures in minimising the impact of fires.
During a televised statement, the deputy police spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan cited a lack of nearby hydrants as a reason for delays in extinguishing the City House fire.
However, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) disputed this claim, stating that over 500 fire hydrants were operational after a swift assessment of hydrant status throughout the city. This discrepancy underscores coordination challenges among state entities and underscores the importance of building owners implementing comprehensive fire safety requirements.
By taking proactive measures, building owners can contribute to fire prevention and aid firefighting efforts even before the arrival of the fire brigade.
Business owners must advocate for the prioritisation of robust fire safety management systems by building owners to safeguard properties and lives.
Fire incidents can have devastating consequences, leading to irreparable losses for entrepreneurs who have worked tirelessly to establish their businesses.
By emphasising the shared responsibility between building owners and tenants and adhering to fire prevention regulations, safer environments can be created to nurture business growth and protect the livelihoods of countless Ugandans.
Let us collectively work towards strengthening fire safety measures and ensuring a more secure future for all.
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