Greater Nebbi gets first fire brigade unit to enhance emergency response
Just days later, another fire engulfed a fuel tanker along the Pakwach-Nebbi Highway, emphasizing the urgent need for a localized fire response service.
Nebbi: On April 9, 2025, the Uganda Police Force marked a major milestone with the launch of the first-ever Fire Brigade Unit at Nebbi Central Police Station.
This new unit will serve the districts of Nebbi, Zombo, Pakwach, Madi-Okollo, and surrounding areas, significantly improving fire suppression and emergency response capabilities in Greater Nebbi.
The initiative, led by the Deputy Director of the Fire Brigade at Uganda Police Force, addresses a long-standing need in the region, which has been grappling with frequent and devastating fire incidents.
West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson Collins Asea confirmed the development, highlighting that the new unit will bring vital police and fire services closer to the community, enhancing safety and security.
Greater Nebbi has suffered from numerous destructive fires, including a recent incident in Rock View Cell, Nebbi Municipality, that destroyed six homes and several businesses, causing millions of shillings in losses.
Just days later, another fire engulfed a fuel tanker along the Pakwach-Nebbi Highway, emphasizing the urgent need for a localized fire response service.
The newly established Fire Brigade Unit is equipped to handle such emergencies, offering rapid intervention and fire containment to protect lives and property. It represents a proactive approach to reducing the devastating effects of fires and bolstering the region’s resilience.
Previously, the West Nile Subregion relied on a single Fire Brigade station in Arua City, over 70 kilometers away from Nebbi, which delayed response times and left the community vulnerable.
The push for expanded fire services gained momentum after several catastrophic incidents, including the 2021 fuel tanker explosion at the Goli One-Stop Border point, which highlighted the region’s fire risks.
Last October, Members of Parliament called for the creation of regional fire brigade units to prevent further property destruction and loss of life. With only 45 fire stations nationwide, Uganda’s fire response capacity has been under strain, with a significant concentration of stations in Kampala.
The establishment of the Nebbi Fire Brigade Unit follows a generous donation from the Japanese Government, which contributed five firefighting trucks to the Uganda Police Force.
This donation came in the wake of a tragic fire at Sunrise Hotel in Kampala, which claimed four lives and destroyed substantial property, underscoring the need for improved fire suppression resources across the country.
In 2024, over 200 people died in fire-related incidents, highlighting the critical need for enhanced fire services.
The new unit in Nebbi represents a vital step in addressing these challenges, contributing to the safety, security, and well-being of residents in Greater Nebbi.
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