NEWS– Days after the tragic fire at the famous Kabagarame weekly pork market in Central Division of Bushenyi – Ishaka Municipality, authorities in Bushenyi District have launched an investigation to establish the likely cause of this inferno.
The Thursday night fire, whose cause remains unknown, began around 11:00 PM and razed down over twenty-one grass-thatched structures.
Mr. William Katsigazi, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Bushenyi, urged residents to be vigilant and enhance security at their own premises, suggesting that the perpetrators are likely locals.
“I don’t believe this was the work of outsiders but rather people within our community. I hope the police will identify the culprits, but residents must provide relevant information to assist in the investigation,” he said.
Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality Mayor Mr. Richard Byaruhanga noted that Kabagarame market, which has 101 traders, 80% of whom are women, was designated as a model village by President Museveni a decade ago.
“Since being named a model village, the area has seen significant positive changes and improvements in economic wellbeing. Those responsible for burning it down are enemies of development,” he added.
Central Division Chairman Mr. Stephen Karuti highlighted that this is not the first time Kabagarame market has been destroyed by fire; it has happened in 2018, 2020, and now in 2024.
“As leaders, we cannot stand by while a place that has benefited many is destroyed. We must work together to find the culprits, as this has become a troubling pattern, and Bushenyi is losing out,” he stated.
Town Clerk Selvelio Mukobi Byarufu emphasized the market’s impact on local well-being and revenue collection.
“The market houses a pig slaughterhouse that processes twenty pigs daily and up to seventy on weekends. Many people working there rely on parish development funds and other government programs like Emyooga and the Women Entrepreneurship Fund,” he said.
Bushenyi District LC V Chairman Mr. Jafari Bassajjabalaba announced that the district leadership plans to request assistance from the Prime Minister’s office.
“Immediate action is needed to restore and secure the market, including using municipal funds to enhance safety and provide stand-by security. We are exhausted by these repeated incidents,” he said.
Bushenyi District Member of Parliament Ms. Annet Katusiime Mugisha described the recurring fires at Kabagarame market as a national issue.
“The destruction of the Kabagarame market has become a common occurrence, causing job losses and a decline in local revenue. This issue has garnered national attention, with inquiries coming from Kampala. The market is a key tourist attraction and economic contributor,” she said.
Mr. Vicent Kabeije, Chairperson of Kabagarame Pork Market, noted that this is the third time the market has been devastated by fire, with previous incidents in 2018 and 2020. He urged authorities to implement security measures, such as fencing the market and installing CCTV cameras.
“Traders are calling for increased security to prevent future incidents, and we must all be vigilant,” he concluded.
