A tragic incident has shaken Kampala following the sudden collapse of a building under construction in the Kira Road area, specifically in Kisota Zone, Kikaaya Parish, Kawempe Division. The disaster occurred on 05 May 2026 at around 1:00 PM, leaving workers and nearby residents in shock as emergency response teams rushed to the scene.
Early reports indicate that the structure gave way without warning, burying workers and materials under heavy debris. The exact number of people affected remains uncertain, with authorities still working to establish the full scale of the tragedy.
Police at Kira Road confirmed that at least nine people were rescued alive from the rubble and immediately transported to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment. Their conditions are being closely monitored by health professionals.
However, officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional victims still trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Rescue teams have continued to work through the debris in a highly sensitive and dangerous operation.
Emergency responders, including police, fire units, and other support teams, have been deployed to the site to assist in the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Heavy machinery has also been brought in to help clear the rubble.
The area was quickly cordoned off to allow rescue operations to proceed safely and to prevent further accidents or interference from the public. Residents gathered nearby as they watched the unfolding rescue efforts with concern and uncertainty.
Authorities have described the situation as fluid, with no confirmed death toll released at this stage. Officials say investigations are ongoing and that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Police have also launched a formal inquiry into the cause of the collapse, with initial focus placed on construction standards, safety compliance, and structural integrity of the building.
Investigators are expected to examine whether proper engineering procedures were followed during the construction process, including approvals, supervision, and use of materials.
Authorities have indicated that individuals responsible for the construction project, including site supervisors and contractors, will be sought for questioning to help clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed that the investigation will also assess whether negligence or violation of building regulations contributed to the collapse.
Meanwhile, rescue teams continue to comb through the debris, carefully removing rubble in hopes of finding more survivors. Officials say the operation is delicate due to the unstable condition of the remaining structure.
Medical teams at nearby hospitals remain on high alert as injured victims continue to arrive from the scene. Doctors are working to stabilize those who sustained serious injuries during the collapse.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over construction safety standards in Kampala, where rapid urban development has led to a surge in building projects, some of which are reportedly not fully compliant with regulations.
Residents in the area have expressed fear and frustration, calling for stricter enforcement of building codes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Urban planning experts say the collapse highlights ongoing challenges in monitoring construction sites and ensuring adherence to approved structural plans.
Authorities have promised that those found responsible will face legal action once investigations establish the cause of the disaster.
As night approaches, rescue operations continue under difficult conditions, with teams racing against time in hopes of finding any remaining survivors trapped beneath the debris.
The tragedy has left the city in shock, with many awaiting official confirmation of the number of casualties as investigations and rescue efforts continue.
