Fire Guts Nyumanzi Market Structures, Traders Left Devastated

A section of traders at Nyumanzi Market in Ajugopi Parish, Dzaipi Sub-county comprising both nationals and refugees are counting heavy losses following a devastating fire outbreak on Sunday evening.

James Ondoga Okido, the Dzaipi Sub-county Local Council III Chairperson, said the fire started from a jerrycan containing petrol that was kept inside a shop within the market premises.

“The fire destroyed about 11 houses and property worth millions of shillings, including shops, merchandise, and personal belongings,” Ondoga said.

He added that several market stalls and temporary structures were also razed to the ground. However, thanks to swift evacuation efforts by vendors and the timely response of nearby community members, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

One of the eyewitnesses, Daniel Innocent Amayo, said they were watching European football on a screen when the fire broke out.

“A trader dealing in petrol was refilling an empty water bottle from a jerrycan filled with petrol near a cooking stove, which sparked the fire and spread to other structures,” Amayo said.

Gilbert Anyama, one of the traders who lost merchandise worth Shs 3 million, said the destruction had reduced his business capital to ashes.

“I don’t know where I will start from. I am paying back monthly loans and I’m stuck now, as I have no other source of income,” Anyama said.

Adjumani Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Peter Taban Data confirmed the incident, saying the traders intervened to contain the fire outbreak and prevented further damage.

“I called the Police Fire Brigade in Gulu City to intervene, but luckily, the fire was put out by the traders and local communities,” he said.

Stakeholders in the Ma’di sub-region have repeatedly urged the government to provide a fire brigade for the area, noting that the nearest fire response unit is based in Gulu.

The fire destroyed about 11 houses and property worth millions of shillings, including shops, merchandise, and personal belongings