Farmer loses 650 chickens in Kinawataka fire outbreak

KAMPALA - Police in the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) are investigating a fire outbreak in Kinawataka, Nakawa division in Kampala district, in which a farmer lost about 650 chickens.

The fire broke out early on Tuesday (March 10) in Kaggo zone, destroying a poultry structure and killing hundreds of birds.

Luke Owoyesigyire, the KMP deputy spokesperson, said the incident is being investigated by territorial police at Jinja Road Division.

"Police at Jinja Road Division are investigating a fire outbreak that occurred on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at about 6am in Kinawataka, Kaggo Zone, where a chicken structure caught fire, resulting in the death of approximately 650 chickens," Owoyesigyire said.

Owoyesigyire explained that preliminary findings indicate the fire is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.

"The Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services responded to the scene but faced challenges accessing the affected area due to the absence of proper access roads," he added.

Despite the difficulties, he said police worked together with members of the public to contain and eventually put out the fire.

"Investigations into the exact cause of the fire are ongoing," he stated.

Residents in the area said the blaze spread quickly and destroyed property belonging to several households. Besides poultry, some household items and personal belongings were also lost in the fire.

Eyewitnesses said the situation was worsened by the narrow roads within the area, which delayed fire brigade trucks from reaching the scene in time to control the blaze.

Another resident, Ibra Seyidi, who lost several hundred chickens in the blaze, estimated that the overall losses from the fire could exceed sh350 million. (Credit: Erinah Nabasa)

The speaker of Nakawa Division Urban Council, Godfrey Luyombya, confirmed that the fire destroyed property belonging to several residents and noted that the narrow feeder roads around the area slowed the response of fire brigade teams.

Luyombya called on Kampala Capital City Authority to intervene and improve the road network in the area.

He also urged residents who have constructed buildings close to roads to cooperate with authorities when plans are made to widen access routes.
Some residents also appealed for support following the losses.

One resident, Rehema Nampeera, said her two sons lost several properties in the fire, including chickens and household items. She appealed to the government to support affected families so they can rebuild their lives.

Another resident, Ibra Seyidi, who lost several hundred chickens in the blaze, estimated that the overall losses from the fire could exceed sh350 million.

Police have urged members of the public to plan for proper access roads when constructing buildings so that emergency responders can easily reach affected areas during incidents such as fires or other emergencies.