A fire broke out on a Friday morning in a building located along Cathedral Avenue in Mbale’s Industrial Division, bringing attention to the challenges faced by the Police firefighting department in Uganda’s Elgon region. The fire, reported to have started at around 7:00 am, prompted both residents and the Police firefighting crew to unite in their efforts to extinguish the blaze.
Despite the collaborative firefighting efforts lasting close to two hours, substantial damage had already occurred. The estimated worth of the destroyed property ran into millions of Uganda shillings. Eyewitnesses revealed that the fire initiated on the first floor, possibly in a store, and the Police, although present on time, were hindered by worn-out equipment.
The Elgon Region Police Fire Brigade Station faces a significant challenge as only one of its two firefighting vehicles is fully operational. Even the functional vehicle requires regular maintenance due to mechanical problems. The other vehicle is out of commission due to its age and issues with broken, leaking pipes. This limitation in equipment hampers the ability of Police crews in the Elgon region to effectively respond to fire outbreaks in the 17 districts they are responsible for.
In response to the deficient firefighting equipment, some residents have resorted to seeking assistance from private firefighting companies. The Regional City Commissioner, John Rex Aachilla, acknowledged instances where private companies have become the first responders to fire outbreaks due to the inadequacies of the Police firefighting department.
While no casualties were reported from the incident on Friday, the cause of the fire remained under investigation by the Police. Observations from residents, such as Nasur Sasire, highlighted delays in Police response to fire incidents, citing issues like arriving without water, engine failures, or low water pressure from broken pipes. Some residents emphasized the need for the government to provide modern equipment to enhance the region’s Police fire department’s emergency response capabilities.
Shaban Wamono, an eyewitness to the fire, acknowledged the timely arrival of Police firefighters but attributed their challenges to weak equipment. Northern division deputy RCC Yahaya Were noted that public involvement in firefighting efforts often intensifies only when the situation escalates, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the removal of fire hydrants in Mbale city, leaving only one at the Police station to serve the entire district. Reports suggested that road construction in the city had damaged some water points, further complicating the firefighting infrastructure.
