Kampala, Uganda — Panic gripped Busega on Monday evening after a raging fire engulfed Muzirango Supermarket, leaving behind widespread destruction and fears of escalation.
The blaze, which erupted under mysterious circumstances, sent billowing smoke across the skies and could be seen from hundreds of metres away.
Witnesses say the flames spread rapidly, consuming large parts of the popular supermarket located near the Shell fuel station in Busega.
“It started suddenly and spread very fast. We tried to help, but the fire was too strong,” said one eyewitness at the scene.
By the time emergency crews arrived, locals had already joined efforts to battle the blaze using buckets of water and makeshift tools.
The concern was not only about the loss of property but also the fire’s proximity to the fuel station and nearby businesses.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the inferno, with authorities cordoning off the area to manage crowds and prevent further danger. Heavy traffic jams soon followed as vehicles were diverted away from the busy Busega interchange.
At the time of reporting, the full extent of the damage had not yet been assessed, and it remained unclear whether anyone had been injured in the incident.
No official word has been issued on the cause of the fire, though investigations are expected to begin once the situation is fully under control.
Busega on Edge
Busega is one of Kampala’s busiest entry points. Located at the intersection of Masaka Road and the Northern Bypass, it’s a commercial hotspot linking the capital with districts like Nateete, Mityana, and Masaka. The destruction of a major business like Muzirango Supermarket has sent shockwaves through the community.
Local traders and residents expressed concern over fire safety measures in the area, with many calling for stricter enforcement and quicker response systems to avoid future disasters.
“If the fire had reached the fuel station, we’d be talking about something much worse,” said a concerned boda boda rider who witnessed the chaos unfold.
For now, the focus remains on cooling hotspots and ensuring the fire does not flare up again. Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area as emergency operations continue.
This is a developing story. We will update as more information becomes available.
