National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has assessed the fire outbreak at an unnamed fuel station in Kisegwe Village, Kakumiro District.
The incident claimed one life, left a juvenile severely burnt, and destroyed property including a fuel tanker, electric poles, three houses, and seven motorcycles. The fuel station is reportedly part of Vegas Petrol Stations in Kisegwe Village, Kakumiro District.
Investigations by NEMA EPF, EPPU, and UPDF from NEMA Albertine Graben Regional Office in Hoima revealed the fire was sparked by a charcoal stove at a neighboring restaurant while a tanker was refilling the underground tank.
The station lacked an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) certificate, was located in a congested area near a junction, and its pump was situated in a road reserve.
These contravenes Regulations 5, 7 and 8 of THE PHYSICAL PLANNING (PLANNING CONDITIONS FOR LOCATION OF FUEL STATIONS) Regulations, 2022.
A criminal case has been opened against the proprietor for operating without the mandatory ESIA. NEMA reaffirms its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting public safety.
