UGANDA, Fort Portal | Real Muloodi News | Traders at Kabudaire Market in Fort Portal City, western Uganda, are left counting their losses after a section of the market was engulfed by fire on Wednesday morning.
According to an eyewitness, the fire broke out at around 5 am from one of the kiosks and quickly spread to others, destroying property worth millions of shillings.
Although the police and fire brigade tried to contain the fire, most of the merchandise was burnt to ashes before the vendors could save any of it.
As a result, many vendors, who depend on the market as their main source of income, are left devastated.
For over a decade, Fort Portal Central Council has depended on the Kabudaire Market as a major source of revenue.
The vibrant marketplace hosts a diverse array of traders offering charcoal, firewood, local brews, and food such as chapatti and pork joints.
The market not only brings in revenue for the council but also serves as a crucial source of goods and services for the local community.
Many vendors, like Ms Jackline Tuhaise, had just stocked up on charcoal when the fire broke out, causing her to lose everything.
She borrowed money from the bank to ensure she had enough stock for her business, but all of it was burnt to ashes.
“At home, I am the sole breadwinner, I don’t know where to start from. I request the government to come to our rescue and give us some start-up funds,” she said.
The chairman of Kabudaire Market, Mr Steven Lubega, reported that one suspect has been arrested. He added that a cargo carrier came to the market early in the morning to ease himself at someone’s kiosk.
The owner chased him away, and the fire started a few minutes later. The authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
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