EDITOR—As the dry season continues in western Uganda as in other parts of the country, uncontrolled fire outbreaks have increased. Plantations, forests, game reserves and grazing lands are being set on fire by unknown people.

Nobody knows these people’s intention.
One might be tempted to think that these fires are accidental.

Smokers may drop a piece of cigarette or adventurous children can start a fire just for fun when playing in the fields. Since it is the season for sowing millet, it is common for fires to get out hand.

These fires may also be started by malicious people like night dancers.
Whatever the source of these fires, the fact is that they are disastrous. They destroy gardens and grazing land.
In the long run the effect will be famine.
All local leaders and people of goodwill should join hands to sensitive communities about the effect of these fires.

Children should not be left to play reckless games during the dry season. Those who smoke should be careful enough when lighting their cigarettes and where they drop the stubs.
Those preparing gardens and honey harvesters who use smoke should also be careful. In case there is a fire outbreak let all the community members join hands to put it out.

In most cases, the land owner is left to fight the fire alone and yet when they fail, the fire spreads to the neighbours’ land. every fire outbreak should be investigated to establish the source and appropriate measures should be taken.
The police should also be more vigilant and bring those responsible to book.

Amelia Kabaza
Kampala