By Aggrey Twesigye
A devastating fire has destroyed a large section of the timber market along Victor Bwana Road in Mbarara City, leaving traders counting heavy losses after timber, equipment, and business structures were destroyed.
Rwizi Region Police spokesperson SP Samson Kasasira said the fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday and was reported to police at about 3:16 a.m.
Police, the Fire and Rescue Unit, private fire responders, and Mbarara City authorities responded to contain the blaze. Although some property was salvaged, the fire caused extensive damage before it was brought under control.
Kasasira said no fatalities had been reported and the cause of the fire remains unknown. Investigations are ongoing. The incident comes three years after another major fire razed timber workshops along Victor Bwana Road, causing significant losses to traders.
