KCCA investigates Kisaasi building collapse that left 3 dead

6 June 2026, 7:14 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following the collapse of a building in Kisaasi that was under construction in Kawempe Division, Kampala District, yesterday, a team from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), led by the Executive Director Sharifa Buzeki, and Kampala Lord Mayor Eng. Ronald Balimwezo, among others, visited the scene to express condolences to those who lost their loved ones and to assess the impact of the incident.

Speaking to journalists, the Executive Director said the owner of the building had employed unqualified engineers and failed to follow proper procedures, including obtaining approval from KCCA. She added that those responsible, including within KCCA if any lapses are found, will be held accountable.

“We first of all sympathise with the families of the deceased. May God strengthen you. As KCCA, we have always told people who want to carry out construction to seek permission before they start building, so that they can get qualified engineers who can do the work properly. This also ensures that when we come to inspect the building, we find it in good condition. We are going to investigate this matter to establish who failed in their role. Even within KCCA, if there are those responsible, they will be handled,” she said.

The Lord Mayor also said they had received information indicating that the building did not follow approved plans.

“It is a pity that people have lost their lives. We have information that Eng. Batwala Sam is among the engineers who were reportedly in charge, though this remains alleged. Experts have told us that those involved in the construction lacked a structural plan. Even identifying the names of the deceased has been a challenge. Ideally, there should be a registration book where every worker signs in. Another issue is that some of the workers were not residents of this area. In such circumstances, someone must be held accountable,” he said.

The KCCA Director of Engineering, Akankwasa, told reporters that they were informed about the incident at around 2:00 p.m. and immediately dispatched inspectors to the scene.

“We were notified about the incident and sent our inspectors, who confirmed that the building was not approved on plan,” he said.

It should be noted that under Uganda’s construction regulations, especially in urban areas, any construction must be approved by KCCA before work begins, and the approved structural plans must be followed.

One of the survivors said the building collapsed from the upper floors.