Black Monday: One killed, property worth billions destroyed in city fire

KAMPALA: One person has been confirmed dead while property worth billions of shillings was destroyed when fire broke out at City House on Luwum Street in the heart of Kampala.

Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson, said the cause of the 8am fire could not be readily established.

Police deployed several fire fighting trucks to try and put out the fire as traders looked on in shock, with no hope in sight.

A few of the merchandise were saved from the building, which also houses opposition Democratic Party offices.

“One person so far confirmed dead today during the City House fire,” Owoyegyire said.

Kampala Central Division Mayor Salim Uhuru called upon property owners to fix firefighting equipping on their buildings.

“It is a bad Monday. Unfortunately, the fire has caused a lot of damage. All property owners must have fire extinguishers because that was supposed to be the first equipment to fight the fire before the police arrived,” he said.