Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on Tuesday visited traders at Katwe Market following a devastating fire that destroyed property worth millions of shillings.
The Kabaka toured the affected sections of the market, inspecting the extent of the damage and offering sympathy to traders who lost merchandise in the blaze.
The fire reportedly broke out in the early hours of Monday at around midnight, spreading rapidly through the densely packed stalls and kiosks.
Police and eyewitnesses said the flames quickly engulfed the structures, leaving hundreds of traders counting heavy losses.
Preliminary accounts from traders suggest the fire may have originated from an electrical fault, with some pointing to old power poles and unstable electricity supply. Others indicated that it could have started from a kiosk before spreading across the market.
However, authorities say investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the fire.
Racheal Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, confirmed that inquiries into the incident had commenced and urged affected traders to remain calm as investigations continue.
The incident adds to a growing number of market fires reported in Kampala in recent months, raising concern over safety standards and emergency response in busy trading centres.
Local leaders noted that narrow access roads made it difficult for fire brigade teams to respond effectively, although firefighters eventually managed to contain the blaze.
During his visit, the Kabaka comforted traders, many of whom said they had lost all their stock and capital. Some appealed for government intervention to support them in rebuilding their businesses.
After leaving Katwe, the Kabaka proceeded to St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, where he attended a special service at the Hannington Chapel.
Katwe Market, one of Kampala’s oldest trading centres, supports hundreds of small-scale traders, making the fire a significant economic setback for the local community.
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