Mbale City: deadly building collapse linked to structural flaws, poor regulatory enforcement and insufficient inspections

At least one person has died, and several others are feared trapped after a partially built five-storey structure collapsed in Mbale City, raising concerns about construction standards and site oversight. The incident happened in Kachumbala Ward, Namakwekwe, in the city’s Northern Division.

Residents said the building gave way around 2 a.m., filling the area with dust, debris, and cries for help. The collapse also damaged nearby homes, leaving some families displaced. A survivor, Alfred Masaba, said four people had been inside the unfinished building and that he escaped after hearing cracking sounds, though the fate of the others remained unclear. Neighbour Robert Okiring described a loud blast and said he managed to rescue himself and family members as children screamed beneath the rubble.

Rescuers have so far pulled three men out alive, while one body—identified in reports as Andrew Wonyakara/Wonyakala, aged 37—has been recovered. Emergency teams, including the Uganda Red Cross Society, police, city authorities, and local residents, are continuing search efforts with the help of heavy machinery.

Preliminary expert comments suggest the collapse may have resulted from structural weaknesses, including possible deviations from material specifications, inadequate reinforcement, and failure to adhere to proper building standards. Concerns have also been raised about regulatory enforcement and the adequacy of inspections, with rapid urban development in Mbale City potentially placing pressure on oversight systems. The incident has renewed calls for tighter compliance and greater accountability in Uganda’s construction industry.