A serious construction accident has left several people feared trapped after a building under construction collapsed in Kisota Zone, Kibaaye Parish, Kawempe Division in Kampala on Friday afternoon.
The incident, which occurred at around 3:00pm, caused panic in the busy neighbourhood as dust and debris filled the air and workers and residents rushed to the scene to assist in rescue efforts.
Nine survivors pulled from rubble
Authorities confirmed that nine people were rescued alive from the wreckage shortly after the collapse.
The injured were immediately evacuated to nearby health facilities for medical attention.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawala said emergency teams responded swiftly and began rescue operations at the scene.
She noted that it is still not clear whether more people remain trapped under the debris or if there have been any fatalities, as search efforts continue.
Intense rescue operations ongoing
Rescue teams, including police fire and rescue services, have been working alongside local residents to search through the collapsed structure.
The operation has been slow and challenging due to large slabs of concrete and unstable debris, which have made it difficult to reach deeper sections of the site.
Heavy machinery has been deployed to assist in clearing rubble, while responders continue to conduct careful manual searches to avoid triggering further collapse.
The area has since been sealed off by authorities to allow uninterrupted rescue work and ensure public safety.
Police investigate cause of collapse
Investigations into the cause of the structural failure have begun, with early attention focusing on possible poor workmanship, use of substandard materials, or failure to comply with approved building plans.
Authorities are also pursuing individuals connected to the site, including the supervisor, to assist in ongoing investigations.
A full structural assessment will be carried out once rescue operations conclude.
Concerns over construction safety standards
The incident has once again raised alarm over construction safety in Kampala, where rapid urban development has been accompanied by repeated cases of building collapses.
Experts continue to warn that weak enforcement of building regulations and illegal construction practices are major contributing factors to such tragedies.
Rescue operations remain ongoing as families anxiously wait for updates on their missing relatives.
