State House aids Kamwokya fire victims

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The State House has extended financial support to 12 residents of Kampala city's Kamwokya, Kisenyi II Zone, who lost their property in a fire outbreak that gutted their homes and businesses on the night of January 27, 2026.

A total of shillings 10 million was delivered to the affected persons by a delegation led by head of the Youth Wealth Creation (YWC) programme, Faisal Ndase.

Some of the residents who lost their property in the fire, left stranded and unsure of their next step. (Courtesy)

(Courtesy)

Ndase visited the scene of the fire and met several victims, including beneficiaries of the youth wealth creation programme. Among them were individuals who had received start-up tools such as sewing machines, popcorn machines, chapati-making equipment and a hair salon dryer, all of which were destroyed in the blaze.

The fire, whose cause remains unknown, broke out at about 2:00am.

Ndase sympathised with the victims, noting that some of those affected had previously benefitted from the Youth Wealth Creation initiative, which aims to support low-income Ugandans to start income-generating activities.

“The goal of Youth Wealth Creation is to ensure that people at the grassroots have sustainable sources of income. When such businesses are destroyed, it becomes our responsibility to stand with them and help them rebuild. That is why Comptroller Jane Barekye entrusted me with sh10 million to support these families,” Ndase said.

He clarified that the support was not limited to Youth Wealth Creation beneficiaries but was extended to all those affected to help them restart their livelihoods.

“We have given them a starting point so they can rise again. I urge them to use this support wisely to rebuild their lives,” he added.

One of the beneficiaries, Justine Ndagire, whose salon was destroyed, thanked Barekye for recognising the challenges faced by women and offering support once again.

“She understands the struggles women go through. At a time when children are returning to school, we had been left stranded. Today we have regained hope because of this assistance,” Ndagire said.

Christine Nakayenga, another beneficiary, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for delivering the support.

“We thank the President and Barekye for thinking about us in our time of need. May God bless them,” she said.

Aniwarita Kyakimwe, a tailor who also lived in the affected structure, said she managed to save only her children as the fire spread rapidly, destroying her sewing machines, soap-making equipment, fridge and other property.

She appreciated the State House support but noted that more help is still needed, especially as the school term approaches.

Andrew Bukenya, who dealt in phone and electrical accessories, said he lost everything in the fire but now feels hopeful after receiving assistance.

LC1 Chairperson Robert Odongokara Ameku said residents tried to put out the fire and that the police responded in time, preventing it from spreading further. He said the exact cause of the fire is still unknown and thanked State House for supporting the affected residents.