Politics 23 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Shadow Minister Calls for Urgent Action on Kampala Market Fires
Hon. Gonzaga Ssewungu, Shadow Minister of Education and MP for Kalungu West, has urged the government to explain the surge in market fires devastating Kampala traders. He highlighted the Katwe Market blaze that razed over 700 businesses and demanded a detailed report from KCCA. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4303/shadow-minister-demands-action-over-market-fires
During a parliamentary session on March 17, 2026, Hon. Gonzaga Ssewungu voiced alarm over frequent fires in Kampala markets, including a devastating blaze at Katwe Market on March 15 that destroyed more than 700 businesses and property worth millions of shillings.
The Kalungu West County MP questioned KCCA’s effectiveness, noting similar incidents in Jinja and pointing out that many new storage buildings lack fire hydrants. He proposed installing hydrants in markets and arcades to prevent future losses.
Speaker Anita Among directed the House to allocate funds for KCCA’s challenges and suggested reviewing the Committee on Presidential Affairs report. Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka promised to raise the issue with KCCA leadership and the Kampala Minister.
Leader of Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi raised concerns about KCCA arresting vendors for demolishing a building before doing it themselves. Shadow Minister for Kampala Hon. Ronald Balimwezo echoed this, noting two lives lost and calling for accountability and a probe. Speaker Among ruled out a new committee, stating KCCA would face the relevant parliamentary committee.
Source: Parliament of Uganda