Four killed as perimeter wall collapses onto houses in Bweyogerere

Four people have died after a perimeter wall collapsed onto two residential houses in Butto Zone, Bweyogerere Division, during a heavy morning downpour.

Police identified the deceased as David Okoth, 25, Angella Inebe, 28, Lucy Alaba, 28, and a juvenile whose identity had not yet been established. The juvenile was Alaba’s son. The victims were reportedly asleep when the wall collapsed.

Several other family members, including children, were rescued from the rubble with injuries. Francis Ssenyonga, the landlord of one of the affected houses, was among those caught up in the incident.

Residents attributed the collapse to heavy rainfall and runoff from the premises of Delux Company, which they said exerted pressure on the factory’s perimeter wall before it gave way and crushed the houses.

Badru Lubega, whose rented room was among those destroyed, said he narrowly escaped death because only one side of his room collapsed.

“I could hear neighbours crying out for help, but even getting out myself was a struggle. Fortunately, the collapse was on the sitting room side, so I managed to make my way out through the debris,” he said.

Another resident, Christopher Kivumbi, said he was woken by a loud bang as the wall came crashing down.

Kivumbi and other residents appealed to the government to intervene, warning that the remaining section of the wall could also collapse onto neighbouring houses if the heavy rains continue.

Bweyogerere Division speaker Sylvia Kyampaire said Delux Company had recently acquired the factory and undertaken renovation works, including grading the compound.

Kyampaire said the construction activities had caused silt to accumulate in and block a drainage channel, forcing runoff water to find alternative routes and placing pressure on the perimeter wall.

“The factory processes coffee. They have been carrying out construction works and tampered with the drainage channel. This forced water to find alternative pathways, and due to the strong flow, it pushed the perimeter wall until part of it collapsed onto people’s houses,” she said.

She called for government intervention against investors who undertake construction works without adequately considering the safety and welfare of surrounding communities.

Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said investigations were underway to establish whether the company’s construction activities and drainage arrangements contributed to the water accumulation and flow preceding the collapse.

Police cautioned property owners, construction companies and developers against compromising structural safety or neglecting drainage systems, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

“We want to caution property owners, construction companies and developers to ensure that their structures are sound and that adequate drainage systems are in place, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall,” Owoyesigyire said.

“Developers are urged to assess the potential impact of construction and renovation works on neighbouring properties and take the necessary precautions to protect lives and property,” he added.

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