Three people have been confirmed dead following the collapse of a building under construction in Kisasi, a Kampala suburb, as authorities investigate allegations of safety violations and unauthorized construction works.
Survivors and eyewitnesses claimed the tragic incident may have been caused by the removal of wooden support beams from the lower section of the structure, which reportedly destabilized the building and led to its collapse.
The deceased were identified as Kivumbi, a site supervisor, James, popularly known as “Rasta,” and a third victim whose identity had not been established by press time.
According to survivors, 12 people were inside the building when it suddenly gave way. Nine individuals managed to escape, while three became trapped beneath the rubble and were later confirmed dead.
Rescue operations continued for several hours as emergency teams deployed excavators and specialized equipment to clear debris and search for survivors. Police officers wearing protective gear later recovered the bodies from the wreckage.
Tensions flared at the scene as residents and workers accused security personnel of using force and preventing them from assisting colleagues trapped under the collapsed structure.
The rescue effort was later joined by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director-designate Sharifah Buzeki and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who visited the site to assess the situation.
Witnesses maintained that the collapse occurred shortly after wooden support structures were removed during ongoing construction works. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the disaster.
KCCA Director of Engineering and Technical Services Justus Akankwasa revealed that the authority had halted construction on the building in April after inspectors found it failed to meet required standards. Despite the stop-work order, the developer allegedly continued construction activities.
Kawempe Division Mayor Emmanuel Sserunjoji criticized KCCA’s building approval and enforcement system, arguing that centralized control has weakened oversight and accountability.
KCCA officials have vowed to take legal action against anyone found responsible for violating building regulations and endangering lives.
Police have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse and establish whether construction and safety guidelines were breached.
The Kisasi building collapse has renewed concerns about urban safety, enforcement of construction standards, and compliance with building regulations in Kampala as the city continues to experience rapid development.
