By Edward Byamukama
Property worth millions have been destroyed after fire gutted a commercial building a long Market Street near Nsamo hotel in Market cell, Hoima East in Hoima City.
According to eye witnesses, the fire resulted from a bar located on the same building where it is suspected that it started as a result of a short-circuit.
Robert Tumwesige a resident of area and working on the same building disclosed that, fire started at a round 2PM and immediately, tenants started removing their goods and property outside in much panic.
He added that police fire brigade quickly responded to the emergency and putdown the fire.
Paul Irumba another eyewitness reiterated that, the place is too congested and is too old which he thinks led to the quick spread of fire to most shops on the same building.
Meanwhile, Norman Ntaro the Chairperson Market cell gave a different version of the cause of fire saying it resulted from a charcoal stove since the same building has restaurants. He has advised tenants and other people using electricity to be careful.
Officers from Hoima CPS visited the scene and documented the crime scene as well as picking statements from eye witnesses to aid in the ongoing investigations.
Julius Allan Hakiiza the Albertine police spokesperson noted that detectives are working to determine the exact cause of fire. He has advised business owners to install fire extinguishers and follow fire safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the near future.
