MPs Demand Answers Over Rising Market Fires in Kampala

The Shadow Minister of Education, Gonzaga Ssewungu, has raised concern over the increasing number of market fires in Kampala, warning of significant economic losses for traders.

His remarks follow a devastating fire outbreak at Katwe Market on March 15, 2026, which destroyed more than 700 businesses and reduced property worth millions of shillings to ashes.

Ssewungu, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Kalungu West County, called on the government to provide a detailed explanation and report on the recurring fires.

“Could we know what is happening with Kampala Capital City Authority? A lot of fires are happening and people are losing property and money. Even in Jinja,” he said.

He attributed part of the problem to poor infrastructure, noting that many storage buildings in Kampala lack basic fire safety measures such as hydrants. He urged KCCA to install fire hydrants in markets and arcades to help contain future outbreaks.

Presiding over the plenary sitting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Speaker Anita Among directed that Parliament should allocate adequate resources to enable KCCA address its operational challenges. She also advised Ssewungu to review findings from the Committee on Presidential Affairs regarding issues affecting the authority.

Representing the government, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka pledged to raise the matter with KCCA leadership and the Minister for Kampala.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi petitioned the government to explain why KCCA arrested vendors who were demolishing parts of a building, only for the authority to later demolish the same structure.

The Shadow Minister for Kampala and Lord Mayor-elect, Ronald Balimwezo, supported the concerns, calling for accountability.

“We need a thorough report from the Minister. Two lives were lost, and I personally spoke to the Executive Director, who confirmed issuing a demolition order to the developer, yet no one has taken responsibility,” he said.

Balimwezo requested the Speaker to establish a committee to investigate the matter. However, Speaker Among ruled out the need for a new committee, stating that KCCA would instead appear before the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises for scrutiny.

The incidents have intensified public concern over fire safety and urban management in Kampala, with lawmakers now pushing for urgent reforms to prevent further losses.