UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Uganda’s real estate sector is thriving, driven by increasing urbanisation and a growing population that fuels the demand for homes, commercial spaces, and industrial facilities. Yet, behind the impressive skyline of developing towns lies a sobering reality: construction safety remains a persistent challenge.
Construction workers like Musa Kasule know these challenges all too well. Kasule, who has worked on various building projects in Kampala, recounts a near-fatal incident when a poorly secured scaffold gave way.
“I was laying bricks on the second floor when the platform shifted. I grabbed onto a beam and screamed for help,” Kasule said. “If my colleagues hadn’t pulled me up, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Kasule’s story is not unique. Across Uganda, reports of construction-related injuries and fatalities highlight systemic issues in the industry.
Many accidents stem from inadequate safety protocols, untrained labourers, and the use of substandard materials. Workers often find themselves navigating unsafe environments, with some lacking even the most basic protective gear like helmets or harnesses.
A construction foreman in Mukono, who requested anonymity, shed light on the precarious conditions at many sites.
“We’re told to cut costs, so things like safety gear are considered optional. But when someone gets hurt, it’s the workers who suffer, not the contractors,” he explained.
The risks extend beyond workers to the future occupants of these buildings. Substandard materials and rushed construction processes compromise structural integrity.
“I’ve seen buildings collapse because the cement wasn’t the right quality or the foundation was poorly laid,” said Joseph Nsubuga, a civil engineer in Kampala.
Despite these challenges, there are efforts to improve the sector. The Uganda National Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors has pushed for better enforcement of safety regulations.
Meanwhile, some developers are adopting international best practices to ensure safer work environments and higher-quality structures.
Real estate developers who prioritise safety are setting a new standard in the market. Consumers are becoming more discerning, seeking properties built with care and adherence to safety standards.
“A well-built home isn’t just a structure; it’s a sanctuary,” said Sarah Kiggundu, a property agent in Kampala.
Addressing safety challenges in Uganda’s real estate sector is no small task. Yet, as the industry grows, it carries the potential to not only transform the country’s skyline but also to set a precedent for safe, sustainable, and humane construction practices.
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