By Mike Rwothomio  

The Uganda Police Force has marked a significant milestone with the establishment of the first-ever Fire Brigade Unit at Nebbi Central Police Station.

Unveiled on April 9, 2025, this unit will serve the districts of Nebbi, Zombo, Pakwach, and Madi-Okollo, as well as surrounding areas, bolstering fire suppression and emergency response capabilities in Greater Nebbi.  

The initiative, spearheaded by the Deputy Director of the Fire Brigade, Uganda Police Force, addresses a long-standing need in a region plagued by uncontrolled fire incidents.

West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson Collins Asea confirmed the development, stating, "This unit brings critical police and fire services closer to the community, enhancing safety and security."

For years, the Greater Nebbi community has grappled with devastating fires that have razed homes, businesses, and fuel tankers, often with limited means of containment.

Just last month, a catastrophic blaze in Rock View Cell, Central Division, Nebbi Municipality, destroyed six homes, kiosks, and restaurants, incinerating property worth millions of shillings.

Days later, another destructive fire engulfed a fuel tanker along the Pakwach-Nebbi Highway.

These incidents underscore the urgent need for localized fire response resources.

The new unit is equipped to tackle such emergencies, providing rapid intervention, fire containment, and mitigation efforts to safeguard lives and property.

It represents a proactive step toward protecting the well-being of residents and reducing the economic toll of fire outbreaks.

Historically, the West Nile Subregion has relied on a single Fire Brigade station in Arua City, over 70 kilometers from Nebbi Municipality. This distance has hampered timely responses, leaving Greater Nebbi vulnerable.

Notable past incidents include the 2021 fuel tanker explosion at the bustling Goli One-Stop Border point, a stark reminder of the region’s fire risks.

The push for expanded fire services gained traction last October when Members of Parliament urged the creation of fire brigade units at regional police stations nationwide to curb property destruction and loss of life.

With only 45 fire stations countrywide—11 concentrated in Kampala, according to the 2020/2021 Auditor General’s Report—Uganda’s fire response capacity has been stretched thin.

The establishment of the Nebbi unit follows recent support from the Japanese Government, which donated five firefighting trucks to the Uganda Police Force.

The donation came shortly after a tragic fire at Sunrise Hotel in Kampala claimed four lives and destroyed significant property, highlighting the national need for improved fire suppression resources.

Police statistics reveal the scale of the challenge: in 2024 alone, over 200 people perished in fire-related incidents out of 1,280 reported emergencies. 

The new Nebbi Fire Brigade Unit stands as a critical asset, not only for fire control but also for enhancing community resilience and security in Greater Nebbi.

Mike Rwothomio is News Editor at Zoomer Africa