Gas cylinder explosion destroys container store in Fort Portal
Frank Katusime, who was standing at the Post Office at the time of the incident, said the explosion was so strong that he mistook it for a bomb going off.
Apolice officer puts out the fire after a gas explosion. (Credit: Jonan Tusingwire)
FORT PORTAL - A powerful gas explosion has rocked Mpanga Container Village, located opposite the Post Office in Fort Portal City’s Central Division, this morning, December 15, 2025, destroying a container used as a store for both empty and filled gas cylinders.
Frank Katusime, who was standing at the Post Office at the time of the incident, said the explosion was so strong that he mistook it for a bomb going off.
Katusiime told New Vision Online that people need to carefully handle gas cylinders, following the manufacturer's guidelines.
According to Rwenzori West Police region spokesperson Vincent Twesige, the explosion was caused by a gas leak from faulty cylinders stored too close to a welding machine used for making gates and doors.
Cause of the explosion
“Sparks from the welding machine ignited the accumulated gas, triggering a massive blast and fire that engulfed the entire container,” Vicent said.
He further explained that the smell of gas had reportedly spread to nearby areas, including a neighbouring hotel, before the explosion occurred.
No fatalities were recorded in the incident. However, one gas cylinder attendant, identified as Amos Mukonjo, sustained serious burns and was rushed to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Twesige says investigations into the incident have commenced and warned business operators to strictly observe safety measures when handling and storing gas cylinders, especially in areas where welding or other fire-related activities are conducted.
In August this year, at least six people, including five Kyambogo University students, were critically injured after a gas explosion at Sports Pro Hostel in Banda Zone Nine, Nakawa division, Kampala.
The blast ripped through the ground floor of the three-storey building after a student reportedly lit a cooking gas cylinder in her room. The explosion shattered windows, blew doors off their hinges, and left several residents and bystanders injured.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson by then Patrick Onyango, confirmed the incident, saying the fire and rescue teams had swiftly responded to secure the area.