Bushenyi – On the morning of Wednesday, September 4, 2024, a fire broke out at the PIBID/BIRDC Tooke Factory located in Nyaruzinga, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality. According to a statement released by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Bushenyi, Atuhaire Robert, the fire started at around 5:30 a.m. in an open-air area of the factory.
The blaze affected a depository of leftover components from plumbing, carpentry, and other construction activities. Additionally, the fire caused minor damage to the back of a pit latrine located behind the depository.
Quick action by the resident workers and guard teams helped to control the situation, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby buildings or causing any significant damage. Police teams were on the scene promptly and began an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, with results still pending.
Despite the fire, the RDC assured the public that the functional and residential facilities of the factory were not affected, and operations at the factory continued as normal. As a precautionary measure, the District Security Committee (DSC) is working with the management of PIBID/BIRDC to enhance security and prevent future incidents.
Atuhaire also extended his assurance to His Excellency the President, as well as the people of Uganda and well-wishers of the Banana Industrial Complex, that the factory remains operational and further safety protocols are being put in place.
The swift response by the factory’s staff and local authorities ensured that the fire was contained without significant consequences.
