news 6 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Massive Fire Destroys Furniture Workshops Worth Shs500m in Wakiso
A devastating fire razed two furniture workshops along the Kampala-Mityana Highway in Buloba, Wakiso District, causing losses estimated at Shs500 million. The blaze, suspected to stem from an electrical short circuit amid unstable power supply, injured one person and drew criticism over delayed firefighting response. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/properties-worth-millions-lost-in-wakiso-furniture-fire-5449286
A fierce fire broke out on Tuesday night at furniture workshops in Bunwe village, Buloba, along the Kampala-Mityana Highway in Wakiso District. The inferno gutted Veron Wood Gallery Limited and Timber World, leaving properties reduced to ashes.
Grace Nsubuga, owner of Veron Wood Gallery, reported the destruction of over 10 manufacturing machines for furniture, timber, and related products, valued at Shs500 million. He attributed the fire to irregular power supply, marking the second such incident at the site.
The blaze is believed to have started from a short circuit in an electric meter box near a utility pole. Security guard Gilbert Asuma was absent, having taken his child to a clinic, and returned to find the workshops engulfed.
Police Fire Brigade arrived after an hour, delayed by traffic. One person, 25-year-old Jackline Onzili, suffered injuries and received medical attention.
Locals blamed Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) for ignoring persistent power fluctuations, which caused a prior minor fire three weeks earlier. Resident Aida Namayiga described hearing an explosion-like blast amid multiple blackouts.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed electrical fault as the likely cause and urged caution with electrical installations.
Source: Daily Monitor