MBALE – Rescue efforts were underway Saturday night and into Sunday after a four-storey building under construction collapsed in Namakwekwe Estate, Northern City Division, leaving one person confirmed dead and seven others missing.
The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, when the fifth floor of the structure reportedly gave way, causing a catastrophic partial collapse. Witnesses and local residents described scenes of chaos as emergency teams, including the Uganda Red Cross and local authorities, rushed to the site in Kachumbala Cell to search through the rubble.
One body has been recovered so far, while seven people — believed to be workers or individuals on the site — remain unaccounted for. Rescue operations involving heavy machinery like graders continued as families gathered anxiously at the scene.
Preliminary reports suggest possible structural failure linked to poor construction materials or inadequate reinforcement, issues that some residents claim they had raised concerns about prior to the incident. Mbale City Council authorities have come under scrutiny, with questions being raised about building inspection and approval processes in the area.
Police and the Uganda National Building Review Board are expected to launch a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse and establish whether negligence or substandard workmanship played a role.
This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about construction safety standards in Uganda’s rapidly urbanizing municipalities. Similar incidents in the past have prompted calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations, regular inspections, and better oversight by local governments to prevent loss of lives.
As search and rescue operations continue, TrendingUg.com extends condolences to the affected families and calls on relevant authorities to expedite the probe and ensure accountability. We will keep our readers updated on developments as more details emerge.
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