Oyam, Uganda – September 23, 2025

A devastating fire broke out at Corner Atapara Trading Centre in Oyam District, North Kyoga Region, in the early hours of September 23, 2025, prompting a swift response from the North Kyoga Regional Fire and Rescue Team.

The blaze, reported at approximately 3:47 AM, caused significant damage to a commercial building, with the cause still under investigation.

According to SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Region Police spokesperson, the fire was reported via a phone call to the landlord, Mr. Otwal Vincent. The regional fire team responded promptly, successfully containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to additional rooms. Their quick action mitigated what could have been a far more destructive incident.

The affected structure is a permanent commercial building comprising 16 rooms, each measuring approximately 4 by 4 meters. Three of the rooms housed a salon, while the remaining spaces operated as a bar and lodging facilities. The salon suffered the most severe damage, with all its contents completely destroyed. Other sections of the building sustained varying degrees of damage, though the rapid response from the fire team spared many of the rooms from total loss.

Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the fire. While the investigation is ongoing, SP Okema noted that arson has not been ruled out as a potential factor. The Territorial Police in North Kyoga Region are conducting a thorough inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The fire has left local business owners and residents in shock, as Corner Atapara Trading Centre serves as a vital hub for commerce and community activities in Oyam District. The loss of the salon and damage to the bar and lodging facilities are expected to have a significant impact on the livelihoods of those who depend on these businesses.

As investigations continue, the North Kyoga Regional Police and Fire and Rescue Team are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Authorities are committed to uncovering the cause of the fire and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future.

Written by

Francis Oyet

Oyet Francis Opwonya, known commonly as Francis L’Oyet is a Ugandan South Sudanese investigative journalist and software engineer. Oyet is the founder and CEO of Oyet Broadcasting Services (OBS Network), an innovation hub and headquarters of The Northern Press in Uganda and The Malakal Press, located in Malakal City, Upper Nile State in the Greater Upper Nile region of South Sudan