Uganda losing over sh30b in fire outbreaks

By Ramadhan Abbey

GODFREY Okobo, a fire prevention officer at the Directorate of Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services has revealed over 904 fire outbreaks occurred in various parts of the country last year. 

He also added that 409 fire outbreaks have been recorded between January and March this year.

"We estimate that Ugandans are losing over sh30b each year because most of the time fires break out in business premises such as factories and shops," he added.

Quoting a recent survey, Okobo said only a small percentage of Ugandans know how to use firefighting equipment installed in schools and other business premises.

Speaking during the end of one week evacuation training which was aimed at equipping occupants with skills of fighting fire outbreaks at Twed Towers Kampala, Okobo said, landlords should observe the 2002, Fire Act that encourages persons and communities to apply the principles of fire safety so as to prevent fires, preserve human life and avoid unwarranted property loss due to the destructive forces of fire.

‘‘Landlords should look at fire safety as an investment not as costs' he said

Okobo further explained that, Police in partnership with KCCA are yet to assess the standards of building in order to save the lives of people in case of emergencies adding that standard buildings must have fire assembly points, extra exists in case of emergency, points for persons with disability and others.

Okobo urged Ugandans to be vibrant and stop using materials that are responsible for the outbreak of fires.

He dismissed allegations of police reaching late at scenes saying many people call them without knowing where they are located while other roads are impassable which delays their work.

Juliet Nasimbwa said the training of the tenants was aimed at keeping them aware and equipping them with skills in case of a fire outbreak.

The training was organized by the Civil Division of the High Court, Twed management, Commercial Bank of Africa and Hima Cement.