Tragedy Strikes Kisasi: A devastating building collapse in Kisasi, Uganda, has left a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake. On a day that will be etched in the memories of the community forever, a residential building came crashing down, claiming the lives of three people, including two individuals who have been identified as Jonathan Kivumbi and James, popularly known as “Rasta.” The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, sending shockwaves throughout the area. As the people of Kisasi come to terms with this tragedy, the authorities have launched a police investigation into the cause of the collapse, with the owner and site engineer of the building now being sought. The timing of this disaster is particularly poignant, given that it comes just two months after the enactment of the Building Control (Amendment) Act 2026, which aims to raise penalties for non-compliance to 12 years in prison.
Three Bodies Recovered, Search Continues for More Victims
The search for survivors continues at the site of the Kisasi building collapse, where three bodies have been recovered so far. Two of the deceased have been identified as Jonathan Kivumbi and James, popularly known as “Rasta.” The identity of the third adult male remains unknown. Their bodies have been transported to Mulago City mortuary for postmortem examinations.
As hopes of finding more survivors rapidly fade, nine people remain hospitalized with injuries sustained during the collapse. The three-storey structure, which had been under construction for approximately eight months, suddenly caved in from the top floor at around 1:00 PM on Friday, trapping several casual laborers beneath a mass of concrete bricks and twisted iron bars.
The building collapse has raised concerns about the enforcement of safety regulations in Uganda, particularly in light of the recent enactment of the Building Control (Amendment) Act 2026, which raised penalties for non-compliance to 12 years in prison.
Police Hunt for Building Owner and Site Engineer
The police are intensifying their search for the owner and site engineer of the Kisasi building that collapsed on Friday afternoon. Authorities have confirmed that the two individuals are key to unraveling the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The owner and site engineer are being sought for questioning as the police investigation gains momentum.
As the police continue to hunt for the owner and site engineer, the government has come under scrutiny for its handling of building regulations. Just two months ago, the Building Control (Amendment) Act 2026 was enacted, which raised penalties for non-compliance to 12 years in prison. The legislation was intended to strengthen building safety standards but has been criticized for being too little, too late. The enforcement of the new law remains a pressing concern as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Kisasi building collapse.
The police are working closely with other authorities to track down the owner and site engineer. The identities of the individuals are not yet known, but their involvement is seen as crucial in determining the cause of the collapse. As the investigation unfolds, the police are expected to provide more information about the individuals they are seeking.
Community in Shock as Death Toll Rises
The community in Kisasi is reeling from the devastating building collapse that has left a trail of death and destruction. Three bodies have been recovered so far, with the identities of two of the deceased confirmed as Jonathan Kivumbi and James, popularly known as “Rasta.” The third adult male remains unknown. The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the area, with residents struggling to come to terms with the loss of life.
As the death toll rises, the community is grappling with the reality of the disaster. The three-storey structure had been under construction for approximately eight months before it suddenly caved in from the top floor, trapping several casual laborers beneath a mass of concrete bricks and twisted iron bars. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of construction sites and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The community is in a state of mourning, with many residents expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. The incident occurs just two months after the enactment of the Building Control (Amendment) Act 2026, which raised penalties for non-compliance to 12 years in prison. The Act was introduced to improve building safety standards and prevent construction failures, but it appears that more needs to be done to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future.
Investigation Underway, Cause of Collapse Unknown
The investigation into the Kisasi building collapse is ongoing, with police working to determine the cause of the tragedy. The three-storey structure, which had been under construction for approximately eight months, suddenly caved in from the top floor at around 1:00 PM on Friday, trapping several casual laborers beneath a mass of concrete bricks and twisted iron bars. The collapse has raised questions about the safety and compliance of the construction site.
The Building Control (Amendment) Act 2026, which was enacted just two months ago, raised penalties for non-compliance to 12 years in prison. This new law may play a crucial role in the investigation, as authorities seek to establish whether the collapse was a result of negligence or a deliberate breach of safety regulations. The police are also working to identify the owner of the building and the site engineer, who are currently being sought in connection with the collapse.
The investigation is expected to be thorough and comprehensive, with the police working closely with other authorities to determine the cause of the collapse and to hold those responsible accountable. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by the public, who are eager to know what led to this tragic event.
Government Response to the Building Collapse
The government has issued a statement in response to the Kisasi building collapse, expressing condolences to the families of the deceased. The death toll currently stands at three, with two of the deceased identified as Jonathan Kivumbi and James, popularly known as “Rasta.” The government has assured the public that it is taking the incident seriously and is working closely with the authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The government has also emphasized the importance of compliance with building regulations, particularly in light of the recent enactment of the Building Control (Amendment) Act 2026, which raised penalties for non-compliance to 12 years in prison. This new legislation aims to improve building safety and prevent such tragedies in the future. The government has called on all stakeholders, including builders and developers, to adhere to the new regulations and ensure that their structures are built with the safety of occupants in mind.
In response to the crisis, the government has also announced plans to conduct a thorough review of the building regulations and ensure that they are enforced effectively. This review will aim to identify any gaps or weaknesses in the current system and make recommendations for improvement. The government has pledged to work closely with the relevant authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future and to provide support to the families of the victims.
What’s Next for the Kisasi Building Collapse Investigation
The police investigation into the Kisasi building collapse is expected to intensify as authorities seek to identify those responsible for the tragedy. The Building Control (Amendment) Act 2026, which came into effect just two months ago, raises the stakes for non-compliance with building regulations. Under the new law, penalties for non-compliance have been increased to 12 years in prison, a significant escalation of the previous penalties.
As the investigation unfolds, the police will likely focus on the building’s owner and site engineer, who are currently at the center of their inquiries. The authorities will scrutinize the construction process, examining whether the building’s design and construction complied with the relevant regulations. The police will also investigate whether any negligence or malpractice contributed to the collapse.
The investigation will be a complex and time-consuming process, requiring a thorough examination of the building’s design, construction, and maintenance history. The police will work closely with experts, including architects, engineers, and construction specialists, to determine the cause of the collapse and identify those responsible. The outcome of the investigation will have significant implications for the construction industry in Uganda, potentially leading to changes in building regulations and practices.
