A fire has destroyed 21 makeshift structures at Mbondwe cross-border market in Lhubiriha Town Council, Kasese District, leaving traders counting losses estimated at millions of shillings.

The fire broke out at about 2:36pm on Tuesday, September 1, prompting a response from the police fire and rescue services.

According to Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, the fire had engulfed the structures by the time officers arrived at the market.

The affected structures belonged to market vendors whose identities had not been established by police by the time of issuing the statement.

Police said their fire and rescue team, under the command of Bwera Division Police Commander SP Bakaleke, managed to extinguish the fire before it spread to neighbouring structures.

No deaths or injuries were reported.

Police preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have been caused by negligence after a suspected charcoal stove was allegedly left unattended in one of the rooms.

Maate said investigations were ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fire and assess the extent of the damage.

The incident has renewed concerns about fire safety in markets, particularly those with makeshift structures and the use of charcoal stoves for cooking.