Devastating Fire Destroys Property Worth Millions in Rubanda’s Muko Market
A catastrophic fire broke out in the early hours of the morning at Muko Market in Murukoro village, Muko sub-county, Rubanda district, causing extensive damage and destroying property worth millions of shillings. The blaze began around 4:00 a.m., affecting various businesses including bars, retail stores, casino gaming establishments, and salons.
Eyewitness Accounts
Living Natumanya, an eyewitness, recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the full-fledged inferno. As he was heading to work, Natumanya noticed small flames emanating from a house but initially dismissed them as insignificant. However, as the flames grew larger and more menacing, he quickly realized the danger and took immediate action to alert his neighbors.
“I saw the fire flames increasing rapidly and knew I had to act fast,” Natumanya recalled. “I went back and alerted people who were still asleep, ensuring they were not trapped inside their houses as the fire spread.”
Impact on Local Traders
Among the many affected by the fire was Veleriano Turyamureba, a local trader and mechanic. Turyamureba described the terrifying moment he was awakened by the noise outside, only to find that the fire had already consumed his business premises.
“At around 4:00 a.m., I heard a commotion outside and rushed to see what was happening,” Turyamureba said. “By the time I got there, my house and the area where I kept all my operating tools had been completely gutted by the fire. This is the first time such an incident has occurred here.”
Calls for Government Assistance
The extent of the damage has left many traders, including Turyamureba, in a desperate situation, having lost their livelihoods overnight. With everything reduced to ashes, there is a growing plea for government intervention and support to help them rebuild their businesses and lives.
“We urgently need government assistance to recover from this devastating loss,” Turyamureba appealed. “I have lost all my tools and equipment, and it’s impossible to restart without help. We are calling on the authorities to provide us with a helping hand during this difficult time.”
Community Response
The fire has sent shockwaves through the community, with many residents rallying together to support those who have lost everything. Immediate relief efforts have begun, but the scale of the damage requires significant aid and resources to ensure that those affected can rebuild and restore their businesses.
The incident at Muko Market highlights the vulnerability of local traders to such unforeseen disasters and underscores the need for better fire safety measures and emergency response plans in the area. As the community comes to terms with the aftermath of the fire, the hope is that with collective effort and government support, they will be able to overcome this tragic event and rebuild stronger than before.
The fire that ravaged Muko Market has left a trail of destruction, affecting the lives and livelihoods of many local traders. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the urgent need for government assistance and improved safety measures becomes increasingly evident. The resilience and solidarity of the people of Murukoro village will be crucial in navigating the path to recovery and rebuilding what has been lost.