Ugandans urged on fire prevention, equipment investment
"When fires break out, they often escalate before we arrive. But with increased access to fire safety equipment and training, the public can act quickly to suppress fires and prevent disasters.”
(L-R front row) Juliet Lubambula, Health Inspector at KCCA, Mansoor Karani, Managing Director Safe Pro Fire Services, Senior Commissioner of Police Eng. Franklin Kugonza, Deputy Director Fire Prevention and Rescue Services and Mubarak Kirunda Nkuutu, Business Development UMA cut the ribbon during the opening of Uganda's first fire safety showroom (Safe Pro Fire Services) in Industrial Area in Kampala on Thursday, 17 July, 2025. (Photos by Colleb Mugume)
By Rhyman Agaba
Journalists @New Vision
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Deputy Director for Fire Prevention and Rescue Services in the Uganda Police Force Eng. Franklin Benjamin Kugonza has urged Ugandans to prioritise fire safety by investing in fire detection and suppression equipment for homes, vehicles, schools, and workplaces.
"When fires break out, they often escalate before we arrive. But with increased access to fire safety equipment and training, the public can act quickly to suppress fires and prevent disasters.”
He adds that Uganda has long suffered from a shortage of modern firefighting equipment, but SAFEpro’s entry into the market offers a practical solution.
“Their extinguishers, detectors, and training programmes will help reduce delays and improve public preparedness,” Kugonza says.
On July 17, 2025, he urged motorists in particular to equip their vehicles with fire extinguishers, citing frequent incidents of car fires caused by overheating or battery malfunctions.
“A small fire extinguisher costing shillings 50,000 could save a vehicle worth shillings 150 million. Prevention is always better than cure,” he said.
He made these remarks while speaking during the launch of Uganda’s first dedicated fire safety showroom in Kampala's Industrial Area.
Kugonza said, “We are grateful to have private players like SAFEpro join this critical sector".
Awareness and accessibility
Juliet Lubambula, a health inspector at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), echoed the call for increased awareness and accessibility of fire safety tools.
Officials take a group picture during the opening of Uganda's first fire safety showroom (Safe Pro Fire Services) in Industrial Area in Kampala on Thursday, 17 July, 2025. 
“With new players like these, we’ll have more fire extinguishers available in homes, markets, offices, and schools. This not only reduces the frequency and impact of fires but also limits environmental pollution caused by bushfires and burning grass,” she explained.
Lubambula emphasised the importance of training and certification.
“Sensitisation is key. People need to know how to use this equipment properly. They should undergo thorough training and be certified. This will enhance our collective firefighting capabilities as a city.”
Monishaa Kothia, SAFEpro Fire Services manager, said her company aims to bridge the fire safety gap through affordable products and after-sales support.
“We’re not here for one-time sales. We train our clients, install equipment, and offer annual maintenance contracts. Our goal is to build long-term relationships and create a fire-safe Uganda,” she said.
She added that many fire outbreaks in homes and schools are caused by electrical faults, such as overloaded sockets.
“Once people are made aware, they will see that fire safety isn’t expensive. A basic extinguisher goes for shillings 50,000, a small price to pay for peace of mind,” Monishaa stated.
As awareness grows and access to equipment improves, authorities and private partners hope Ugandans will embrace a culture of fire prevention, saving lives, property, and the environment in the process.
The event was also attended by Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) business development manager Mubaraka Nkuutu, who expressed optimism, saying with more availability of fire prevention equipment, it is going to become easier to fight fires, which occur in many public spaces.
“As you may have heard, several industries have had these fire cases. And I think most of these industries have not been fire prepared,” he said.