A fire outbreak in Kalongo Village, Luweero Town Council, Luweero District, has destroyed a makeshift structure and seriously damaged the rooftop of six rooms in a neighbouring house.
The fire broke out on Sunday at about 5:40pm, prompting the Police Fire and Rescue Services to respond and extinguish the blaze.
No injuries or deaths were reported.
Police preliminary investigations indicate that the fire started from uncontrolled burning of rubbish before spreading to nearby structures.
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Ahmed Ndawula, 73, one of the affected residents, said he had been burning rubbish when strong winds carried the flames to his makeshift structure.
"I was burning rubbish, but when I turned around to clear the waste, the wind blew the fire onto my wooden structure. It caught fire and spread to my neighbour's room, destroying many of our belongings," Ndawula said.
The fire completely destroyed Ndawula's makeshift structure and damaged the rooftop of six rooms belonging to his neighbour, Ismael Suuna.
Ndawula said he lost virtually all his belongings in the fire and appealed to the government for assistance.
"My house and everything in it have been burnt. I have nothing left. I appeal to the authorities, especially the Office of the Prime Minister, to come to our rescue and support me and my neighbour," he said.
He said residents initially tried to contain the fire but were overwhelmed by the intensity of the flames until the Police Fire and Rescue Services arrived.
Savannah Regional Police spokesperson ASP Sam Twineamazima urged residents and businesses to avoid burning rubbish in open spaces, warning that uncontrolled fires can quickly spread to nearby homes and property, particularly during dry or windy conditions.
"We strongly caution the public against the careless burning of waste. Such fires can quickly get out of control, especially in dry or windy conditions, putting lives and property at serious risk," Twineamazima said.
Police have also urged Luweero Town Council authorities to work with community leaders to establish and enforce safer waste-management practices to prevent similar incidents.
