UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | In a devastating incident on Monday morning, a weakened perimeter wall of Good Luck Petrol Station in Kanyanya Cell, Ndejje Division, collapsed onto rental houses, resulting in the tragic death of five individuals.
The victims were identified as Phiona Nabulumba, Geoffrey Nabunywa, Moja Fuuku, a three-year-old Liana, and an individual known as Doreen.
The sixth victim, yet to be identified, succumbed to injuries at a medical facility. The bodies have been conveyed to City Mortuary Mulago for postmortem examination.
The collapse occurred amid heavy rainfall, exacerbating the vulnerability of the perimeter wall. The affected rental properties, owned by Ms. Proscovia Nalumansi, bore the brunt of the tragedy.
Two individuals, Gladys Mukisa and Sadat, sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at different hospitals.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Mr Luke Owoyesigyire, announced that a comprehensive investigation has been initiated to ascertain the root cause of the incident.
Preliminary findings point to the heavy rainfall as the catalyst for the collapse. The rescue team, assisted by an excavator, continues to diligently work to confirm if there are additional individuals trapped under the rubble.
Perimeter walls serve as protective measures for properties, often erected to deter criminal access. However, questions arise regarding adherence to building standards, prompting police detectives to scrutinise whether the fuel station owner followed prescribed regulations.
National physical planning standards and guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Lands in 2021, specify that boundary fencing walls should not exceed 1.5 meters in densely populated residential areas.
Additionally, along road boundaries, fences must be set back one meter inside the plot.
As rescue operations persist, the tragedy highlights the potential risks associated with inclement weather and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
The police extend condolences to the affected families and emphasise the ongoing commitment to investigate the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.
The aftermath underscores the importance of adhering to building standards and guidelines to ensure the safety of structures in vulnerable conditions.
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