LYANTONDE, Uganda — A fire destroyed Lyantonde Central Market in central Uganda, affecting more than 60 traders and causing losses estimated in the millions of shillings, local officials said Friday.
The blaze gutted stalls selling fish, matooke (green bananas), and various food items, as well as restaurants and kiosks popular among locals and visitors.
John Balaza, chairperson of Lyantonde central market traders, said, “This market was our lifeline. Now we have nothing left. We don’t know how we will recover from this.”
The fire’s response was delayed due to the absence of a fire brigade in Lyantonde district. Attempts to bring a fire truck from nearby Masaka were reportedly unsuccessful.
Mustafah Kalule, Lyantonde town council mayor, expressed concern over the incident. “This is the second time in recent years that the market has been engulfed in flames. We urgently need a modern market with proper safety measures in place,” Kalule said.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Affected traders are calling on the government for relief and support to rebuild their businesses.
Many traders, who arrived at the market to find their goods reduced to ashes, rely solely on their market earnings to sustain their families and pay off bank debts.
Local authorities are emphasizing the need for immediate government intervention to address the market’s safety issues and assist the affected traders.
Source: nilepost.co.ug
