Millions Lost! Fire Guts Kiboko Enterprises In Namuwongo

By Our Reporter

Last night massive fire broken out at Kiboko Enterprises Limited, a commercial establishment located in Namuwongo, Makindye Division. The company is known for dealing in a range of products including household goods, plastics, and general merchandise.

The blaze, which erupted in the evening, sent thick clouds of smoke billowing into the sky, drawing large crowds of onlookers and prompting a swift response from the Police Fire and Rescue Services.

As of press time, the cause of the fire remains unknown, though investigations are underway. There are no confirmed casualties, but property worth millions is feared to have been destroyed.

This incident adds to a growing list of commercial fires in Kampala’s business hubs, many of which have been attributed to electrical faults, improper storage of flammable materials, and lack of adequate fire preparedness.

According to the Uganda Police Fire Brigade, hundreds of fire incidents are recorded annually, with the majority occurring in business premises that lack:

• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke detectors
• Clear evacuation plans
• Trained personnel in basic fire safety

Common Causes of Fires in Business Premises

1. Electrical Faults – Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and unregulated power connections are leading causes.
2. Negligence – Leaving appliances unattended, improper disposal of cigarette butts, or unsupervised cooking areas.
3. Flammable Materials – Poor storage of chemicals, plastics, or oils increases fire risk.
4. Arson – In some cases, fires are deliberately started by disgruntled employees or unknown individuals.
5. Lack of Fire Safety Training – Most employees are not equipped to respond in the early stages of a fire.

How to Prevent Fires in Workplaces

Fire prevention is a shared responsibility. Experts recommend the following measures:

• Install smoke detectors and test them regularly.
• Avoid overloading sockets and unplug unused appliances.
• Store flammable substances properly in designated, well-ventilated areas.
• Conduct regular fire drills and train staff in basic fire-fighting techniques.
• Keep fire extinguishers accessible and ensure staff know how to use them.
• Maintain good housekeeping to eliminate unnecessary combustible materials.
• Work with certified electricians for wiring and maintenance tasks.

Following last night’s incident, authorities have once again urged business owners to prioritize fire safety, particularly those operating in densely populated and industrial areas such as Namuwongo, Kisenyi, and Kikuubo.

“We need a culture shift — fire safety must be viewed as essential, not optional,” said an official from the National Building Review Board (NBRB).