UGANDA, Hoima | Real Muloodi News | A fire outbreak at Kinuubi House in Hoima City on December 20, 2024, caused significant losses for business owners, with property damage estimated in the hundreds of millions. The fire occurred on Hoima-Kampala road, opposite Bwinkya Secondary School in Bwinkya ward, Hoima East Division. The building housed multiple businesses, including shoe boutiques, a studio, a salon, and a stationery shop.
Traffic along the Hoima-Kampala road was halted as police and the fire brigade worked to extinguish the flames. Eyewitnesses reported the fire began around 3:00 p.m., and by 4:00 p.m., fire crews were actively battling it. Good Samaritans assisted affected business owners in salvaging some of their property.
Christine Kabanuzi, the landlord’s daughter, estimated that the fire destroyed property worth over UGX 100 million. “Our shoe shop, stationery items, mattresses, TVs, beds, and other belongings were destroyed,” she said, noting the devastating impact on their livelihoods. “These businesses employed many youths, and now they face uncertainty about how to survive.”
Studio owner Richard Bigirwa said the fire originated in the back rooms of the building, where some tenants had been sleeping. He commended the fire brigade’s timely response, which prevented the flames from spreading further. “Although some of my property was damaged during the evacuation, I’m grateful the fire was contained,” Bigirwa said.
Salon owner Jamira Kugonza estimated her losses at around UGX 10 million. She reported that some salvaged items were stolen during the chaos. “We’ve suffered immense losses as we head into the Christmas season,” she said, appealing to the government for support.
Albertine regional police spokesperson Julius Hakiza confirmed the fire was extinguished before it could consume the entire building. According to Hakiza, the fire was allegedly caused by a charcoal stove left unattended by a tenant. He commended residents for assisting in the rescue efforts.
Kinuubi House was a hub for small businesses, and its destruction leaves several operators in financial uncertainty. With the fire occurring just days before the Christmas season, affected individuals expressed concerns about their recovery and the impact on their livelihoods.
Authorities are conducting investigations to determine the full extent of the damage and to ensure similar incidents are prevented in the future. The Hoima City fire highlights the need for safety measures in commercial buildings to protect lives and property.
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