A large number of traders in Kapchorwa District are now assessing their losses after a significant fire ravaged the Main Market, resulting in the destruction of goods valued at billions of shillings. Authorities have indicated that this is the most severe fire event ever documented in the district.
Several traders shared that they were sustaining their businesses through daily loans and are now concerned that banks might classify them as defaulters and impose penalties.
Ibrahim Mafabi, one of the traders, expressed, “I sell shoes. Everything in my shop was turned to ashes. The collection of shoes I had was valued over 10 million shillings. The clothing inventory was also worth a substantial amount. This is an enormous setback for me.”
Another trader, Godfrey Makoba, stated, “The flames consumed everything despite our efforts to extinguish them, but we were outmatched.”
The traders are currently urging the government to assist them, as they depended entirely on these businesses to support their families and fund their children’s education.
Munawari Chebet, another trader, remarked, “With our market gone, we are going to face significant hardships. The government should come to our aid since our businesses were funded by loans. We are asking our creditors to grant us more time, as we are unable to repay the money at this moment.”
The traders added that they are at a standstill right now because many of them had taken out loans from Centenary Bank, Finance Trust Bank, and others, often borrowing daily.
Buruhani Siwa, another trader, noted that the Kapchorwa Main Market was among those designated by the government for upgrading to a main market. They now hope that, since the plans for construction have been delayed, the government will intervene with a new modern facility.
Fredmark Chesang, the Sipi Region Police Spokesperson, stated that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, although initial findings suggest it might have been ignited by a charcoal stove left burning in one of the market’s restaurants.
“The restaurant operator left the stove on and did not extinguish the flames. This may have led to the fire spreading rapidly due to strong winds affecting the entire market. There could also have been an electrical short circuit,” Chesang explained.
Despite the fire starting at midnight, police firefighters reportedly took eight hours to arrive at the scene, rendering them unable to salvage anything.
“It was unfortunate that our firefighters had to come from Jinja. They arrived too late to take action. Therefore, I urge the government to decentralize the firefighting services so that we can respond effectively and minimize damage during such incidents,” Chesang added.
