TRACING COLLAPSING STRUCTURES IN UGANDA

BACKGROUND

Globally, crises such as insecurity, disasters, ill-health and environmental degradation have continued
to pose a significant challenge to the human race. Disasters, both man-made and natural, have
hindered the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in most countries (Ede, 2021) .
He further explains that the impact is mostly felt in under-developed and developing nations where
capacities to manage such is lacking. Also, the world’s population continues to grow, in 2021, the
global population reached seven billion mark, and in November 2022 it reached 8 billion (UNEP,
2023). The population is increasingly becoming urban (Aliyu & Amadu, 2017). Today more than 400
cities have a population of a million or more, about 70% of them are found in developing countries
(Aliyu & Amadu, 2017). Due to increased population, the demand for services and needs like shelter
is also on an increase. Shelter is the first thing humans need for living in this world even before food
(Amadi, 2012; Hamma-Adama & Kouider, 2017).

Population is increasing in Urban areas yet land where buildings are founded is fixed. The solution to
this, is to shift from horizontal development to vertical development. However vertical development
solves a problem of space shortage (Kigguddu, 2017), it has been evidenced with negative effects like
failure of structures commonly known as building collapse. In last three years (2020-2023) over 394
lives were lost in countries like China, Cambodia, Canada, Italy, Thailand, South Korea, Belgium,
Israel, USA, Spain, Nigeria, Iran, Germany, Indonesia and France. With USA registering highest
number of fatalities of 98 in 2021 when Champlain towers in Surlfide Florida collapsed (Wikipedia
2023).

Recently, there has been widespread concern among the public regarding the poor quality of
infrastructure being built across the country. The frequent issues include the failure of bridges, road
surfaces, and building collapses during construction, capturing public attention. The government
allocates a substantial portion of the national budget to infrastructure development. Failures in these
projects not only result in a direct financial loss but also pose risks to lives. Rebuilding collapsed
structures increases the overall cost and diminishes the monetary value of the initial investment
(Alinaitwe & Ekolu, 2014).

Building is described as an enclosure for spaces designed for specific use, meant to control local
climate, distribute services, and evacuate waste (Fadamiro, 2012). Buildings are structural objects that
may secure themselves by transferring weights to the earth. Furthermore, according to Odulami
(2011), buildings are structures for human activities, which must be safe for the occupants. Building
construction involves a series of processes, including architectural design, engineering analysis,
obtaining permits, site preparation, foundation construction, framing, installation of building systems
(such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC), interior finishing, and exterior cladding (Carpenter et al.,
1997).(Caleb et al., 2023)
LITERATURE REVIEW

In the construction of tall buildings, adherence to specific design specifications is crucial (Peansupap
& Ly, 2015). Notably, in Kampala, Uganda, Alinaitwe and Ekolu (2014) documented 54 fatalities and
122 injuries from building collapses within a four-year period (2004-2008)(Alinaitwe & Ekolu,
2014). The frequency of such failures in Kampala has prompted scholarly investigations to identify
their causes. Design specifications, detailed requirements for a construction project, must be
rigorously followed for the successful completion of high-rise buildings (Mugabi, 2022a). These
specifications, typically prepared by the client after thorough research, play a vital role in ensuring the
sustainability of such structures. Neglecting to adhere to design specifications results in design errors,
encompassing mistakes, omissions, and conflicts in the design (Mugabi, 2022a; Okeke et al., 2020).
Design mistakes, arising from human errors, may include lapses or slips, especially when applied
incorrectly by inexperienced designers. Omissions occur when a part of the system is unintentionally
overlooked in the design process, while conflicts involve overlapping elements that cannot be
constructed simultaneously. Despite ongoing discussions, the role of design errors remains
inconclusive, yet they are considered significant contributors to building failures and collapses in
various contexts, including Uganda (Okeke et al., 2020; Waziri, 2016).

Alinaitwe & Ekolu (2014) highlighted key causes of structure failures during construction in East
Africa. Issues included poor materials and workmanship, design errors, absence of professional
supervision leading to overlooked problems, and wrong implementation of construction methods.
Neglect of design approval procedures and secondary factors like cost-cutting attempts and influence
peddling were also identified (Alinaitwe & Ekolu, 2014). Several studies have pinpointed causes such
as negligence, deficient foundations, faulty steel reinforcement, hurried construction, greed, lack of
soil tests, poor supervision, and non-compliance with building codes and design errors (B\laszczyński
& Sielicki, 2019; Kobielak et al., 2015; Mugabi, 2022a; Peansupap & Ly, 2015).

Furthermore, natural phenomenon, excessive loading, weak foundations, substandard constructional

materials and poor material mixing by construction workers especially for concrete, lack of local
building codes and inadequate enforcement to ensure adherence to building codes have also led to
collapse of some buildings. The high competition for space calling for the erection of high-rise
buildings, violation of construction regulations, irregular inspections by building inspectors,
unauthorised addition of floors to existing buildings which add excessive loads, absence of site
investigation and engagement of unqualified people (Mugabi, 2022b).

Mugabi (2022) clarifies that building collapses are primarily due to structural, not architectural,
issues. Approved designs with a registered engineer's stamp should prevent such failures, but a
common problem arises when clients deviate from these designs during construction. He suggests that
strict adherence to building regulations would involve monitoring construction sites to ensure
engineers oversee the process. However, he acknowledges the challenges authorities face, such as
staff shortages, and emphasizes the importance of responsible supervision by technicians, especially
foremen, during construction (Mugabi, 2022b).
METHODOLOGY

The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining site surveys, interviews, and data
collection from local news media and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). Site surveys
involved physically visiting locations of collapsed structures to gather firsthand information and
assess the extent of damage. Interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders, including
construction professionals, government officials, and local residents, to gather insights into the causes
and consequences of building collapses.

To geographically locate collapsed structures, GPS coordinates were collected during site surveys and
interviews. These coordinates were essential for mapping the temporal and spatial distribution of
collapsed structures using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS software, specifically
ArcMap, was utilized to import and analyse spatial data, allowing for the visualization of patterns and
trends over time.

Data analysis was conducted using Excel, where information on collapsed structures was organized
and analyzed to identify patterns, trends, and key factors contributing to building collapses. Graphs
were generated to visually represent the trends in collapsing buildings, providing insights into the
frequency and severity of incidents over the study period.

Overall, the methodology integrated qualitative and quantitative techniques to comprehensively

investigate the phenomenon of building collapses in Uganda, providing valuable insights for
understanding and addressing the underlying causes and implications of such incidents.
FINDINGS & DISCUSSIONS
Table 1: Tracing Collapsed Buildings in Uganda Since 1962.

S/N DATE OF DESCRIPTION LOCATION CALAMITIES POSSIBLE CAUSES

OCCURRENCE
1 03-Dec-23 Collapsed wall fence Kanyanya zone, Ndejje, Makindye 5 deaths, 2 Heavy downpour causing flooding around the weak
Ssaabagabo, KCCA injuries cracked wall and gave way
2 19-Sep-23 Collapsed wall fence Plot 392, block 377, Busiro Mengo, 0 deaths, 3 Illegal structure constructed without following
Seguku, Kyegera town council, Wakiso injuries known construction methods
district
3 07-Jun-23 Collapsed Peacock Guest Lira City 2 deaths, 10 Not documented
House under construction injuries
4 05-May-23 Collapsed building hosting Lira City 1 death, 0 Delapidated structure
Abacus Pharmacy Ltd injuries
5 14-Mar-23 Collapsed classroom block Golden Heart Junior Nursery and 3 deaths, 0 Wind blew off the roof, then teachers instructed
Primary School, Butaleja district injuries pupils to demolish the walls which later fell onto 03
pupils
6 16-Jan-23 Collapsed building under Speke Courts Hotel, Jinja City 1 death, 0 Inadequate designs, inexperienced contractor, poor
construction injuries construction methods
7 05-Oct-22 Collapsed commercial Plot 13 Major Victor Bwera Road, 0 deaths, 0 Defective structure designs, poor workmanship,
building Mbarara City injuries inadequate quality control
8 06-Sep-22 Collapsed floor Sun Labeling & Printing Company, 0 deaths, 5 Inadequate structural designs, lack of details in the
Kavule village, Mpingi district injuries suspended slab and connection details
9 02-Sep-22 Collapsed excavation sides on Plot 479-780, Mengo, Kampala district 1 death, 1 Excavation slope angle exceeding allowable angle
mixed-use development injury of repose, inadequate designs
10 02-Jun-22 Collapsed ceiling Gold Star Batteries Ltd, Jinja-Kayunga 1 death, 4 Inadequate structural designs, construction without
Highway, Wakisi subcounty, Buikwe injuries authorized design
district
11 16-May-22 Collapsed residential Bukwenda-Katale-Kyegera, Mpingi 1 death, 2 Inadequate architectural and structural engineering
apartments District injuries designs
12 06-May-22 Collapsed building Ndejje, Wakiso District 4 deaths, 12 Use of borrowed structural drawings, poor
injuries workmanship
13 16-Feb-22 Collapsed roof structure Chadwick Primary School, Entebbe 0 deaths, 0 Falling trees by strong winds and storm, lack of
Municipal, Wakiso District injuries maintenance
14 19-Dec-21 Collapsed servant quarters Budibya village, Masinja subcounty, 1 death, 5 Gable wall collapsed due to wind and vertical dead
Bujiri district injuries loads
15 24-Nov-21 Collapsed commercial Bweyogerere, Wakiso 0 deaths, 0 Foundation failure due to overloading
building injuries
16 06-Nov-21 Collapsed MT Olive Nalya Wakiso district 0 deaths, 0 Foundation failure, poor construction methods
SDA Church injuries
17 03-Nov-21 Collapsed commercial Kawempe Division, Kampala District 0 deaths, 0 Poor construction method led wind blowing off the
building injuries roof
18 19-Oct-21 Collapsed part of scaffold Worship Center construction, 0 deaths, 3 Hoist bucket failed, overloading the scaffolding
Kawempe division, Kampala District injuries
19 09-Sep-21 Collapsed 2 villa building Plot 3562, Sekiwunga, Wakiso district 0 deaths, 0 Deficient structural designs, poor construction
injuries methods
20 05-Sep-21 Collapsed commercial Plot 100 block 12 Kisenyi, Kampala 8 deaths, 9 Illegal structure, inadequate building inspectors
building District injuries
21 17-Aug-21 Collapsed building Kitebi, Rubaga Division, Kampala 1 death, 3 Poor construction materials, lack of professional
District injuries supervision
22 16-Jul-21 Collapsed storeyed building Kabulengwa, Nasana Municipality, 1 death, 0 Not documented
Wakiso District injuries
23 31-Mar-21 Collapsed part of Arua Hill Arua city 0 deaths, 0 Premature removal of supports
Stadium and Business Centre injuries
24 31-Mar-21 Collapsed church building Busolwe, Butaleja District 2 deaths, 3 Weak brickwork construction, poor construction
injuries methodology
25 15-Mar-21 Collapsed ceiling House of Rest Auditorium, Kampala 2 deaths, 8 Inadequate building inspection & maintenance
Road, Kampala District injuries
26 24-Jun-20 Collapsed maternity ward Aromo HCII, Lira district 0 deaths, 1 Incomplete renovation works
ceiling injury
27 10-May-20 Collapsed 3-storeyed building Kasanga, Kampala district 9 deaths, 2 Illegal structure
injuries
28 09-May-20 Collapsed residential building Kongta village, Kween district 3 deaths, 5 Landslides after torrential rains
 injuries
29 04-May-20 Collapsed residential house Kishagazi village, Kasese District 0 deaths, 0 Heavy floods caused by overflowing rivers
injuries
30 01-May-20 Five-floor building collapsed Lukuli-Makindye division, Kampala 13 deaths, 0 Not documented
District injuries
31 10-Mar-20 Collapsed walls of septic tank Seeta, Bukere, Goma division, Mukono 3 deaths, 2 Heavy downpour causing flooding in the septic
district injuries tank weakening surrounding soils
32 01-Feb-20 Collapsed building Kyapa Trading Centre, Kiruhura 3 deaths, 4 Head-on collision between a trailer and Toyota
district injuries Premio salon car, rammed into the building
33 24-Jan-20 Building collapsed Kagugube Zone, Kampala Central 0 deaths, 0 Not documented
Division, Kampala District injuries
34 15-Jan-20 Collapsed two-storey building Gokhale Road, Jinja City 5 deaths, 9 Poor construction materials, lack of professional
injuries supervision, poor workmanship, alteration of the
design
35 09-Jan-20 Collapsed commercial Plot 285, block 254, Kasanga, 6 deaths, 3 Heavy downpour, failure by KCCA to inspect
building Makindye Division, Kampala District injuries construction
36 11-Oct-19 Building collapsed Bakuli, Rubaga Division, Kampala 1 death, 0 Inadequate designs, poor construction methods,
District injuries lack of professional supervision
37 23-Jun-19 Collapsed Lohana Academy Martin Road, Central Division, 6 deaths, 10 Delapidated structure, delayed approval of wall
perimeter wall Kampala District injuries demolition by KCCA
38 04-Jun-19 Collapsed boundary wall Kaije Coffee, Namirembe Central 2 deaths, 0 Heavy downpour on dilapidated wall without
Division, Kampala District injuries maintenance
39 01-Jun-19 Collapsed weak wall Next to Namirembe Guest House, 2 deaths Gushing water from the hill lacked channels to
Central Division, Kampala District divert to trenches, structurally weak wall
40 26-May-19 Collapsed perimeter wall Seguku-Entebbe Road, Wakiso District 5 deaths Shallow foundation and lack of retaining wall
41 15-May-19 Collapsed part of Moroto Moroto, Moroto District 2 deaths Concrete pump supported on formwork which
Central Market could not support the load
42 10-Oct-18 Collapsed residential house Loputiput Village, Moroto District 0 deaths, 0 Inadequate design and weak foundation soils
injuries
43 06-May-18 Proposed residential Plot 641, block 257, Kibuga, Buziga 0 deaths, 3 Not documented
apartments Parish, Makindye Division, Kampala injuries
 District
44 08-Mar-18 Collapsed part of Corner Fort Portal City 0 deaths, 0 Not documented
Stone Hotel injuries
45 28-Feb-18 Collapsed houses Moroto, Moroto District 0 deaths, 0 Weak foundation due to expansion in the
injuries underlying foundation soils causing differential
settlement
46 27-Feb-18 Proposed shopping mall and Plot 40 & 42 Rashid Khamis Road, 0 deaths, 0 Increased soil density & pressure caused by water
apartments Central Division, Kampala District injuries ingress from leaking concrete stormwater culvert
damaged during excavation
47 29-Nov-17 Collapsed ceiling slab Entebbe Police Station, Wakiso District 0 deaths, 26 Water leakages from heavy downpour and old age
injuries of the structure
48 17-Jan-17 Collapsed excavation Mukono District 6 deaths, 4 Burst water supply pipe-soaked ground causing
basement earthwork injuries instability
49 10-Sep-16 Collapsed residential building Miziro Village, Kyotera District 0 deaths, 0 Earthquake disaster
injuries
50 01-Sep-16 Collapsed houses Menziro, Kanabukwa Gwanda Parish, 0 deaths, 13 5.7 magnitude earthquake tremor
Rakai District injuries
51 12-Apr-16 Collapsed commercial Makerere Hill Road, Central Division, 4 deaths, 9 Poor designs, weak foundation soils, poor
building Kampala District injuries workmanship
52 14-Dec-15 Collapsed building Kasanga-Ggaba, Wakiso District 5 deaths, 0 Unsupported sides of basement excavation
injuries
53 19-Dec-15 Collapsed building Lungujja, Lubaga Division, Kampala 3 deaths, 0 Not documented
injuries
54 Sep-14 Collapsed perimeter wall Seventh-day Adventist Church, Kireka 1 death, 0 Not documented
Zone D, Kira Division, Wakiso District injuries
55 Aug-14 Collapsed 6-storey building Olympia, Kasanga, Central Division, 0 deaths, 3 Illegal structure, poor construction method, non-
Kampala District injuries involvement of professionals
56 16-Apr-14 Destroyed roof Siimu-Pondo Primary School, Bukiise 0 deaths, 13 Heavy storm with strong winds
Subcounty, Sironko District injuries
57 20-Dec-13 Collapsed commercial Mukono 1 death, 7 Not documented
building injuries
58 22-Jul-13 Collapsed building under Nakivubo Mews, Central Division, 0 deaths, 10 Hammer vibrations from neighboring building
renovation Kampala District injuries under construction, water leakages, weak
enforcement by KCCA
59 30-Dec-12 Collapsed gantry Victoria Café/Guginia, Entebbe 0 deaths, 3 Old timber and eucalyptus poles supporting the
Municipality, Wakiso District injuries gantry
60 21-Feb-12 Collapsed prison wall Kapchorwa Prison 1 death, 1 Delapidated structure, poor construction method by
injury inexperienced inmates
61 04-Aug-10 Collapsed verandah ceiling Amber Store Indian Quarters, Mbale 1 death, 2 Old dilapidated structure with no maintenance
district injuries
62 04-Aug-10 Collapsed building Upper Konge2, Lukuli-Makindye 0 deaths, 3 Involvement of unqualified site supervisor, poor
Division, Kampala District injuries workmanship, poor construction materials
63 26-Jan-10 Collapsed wall Luwum Street, Central Division, 2 deaths, 0 Unsupported sides of basement excavation
Kampala district injuries
64 Jun-09 Collapsed youth centre Kamuli district 0 deaths, 0 Shoddy work and non-supervision from the district
injuries works department
65 13-Mar-09 Collapsed 4-storied Mirembe Plot 5A Nasser Road, Central Division, 4 deaths, 20 Not documented
Shopping Arcade Kampala district injuries
66 26-Feb-09 Collapsed commercial Snay Bin, Dastur Street, Central 1 death, 5 Shearing forces due to weight of soil mass and
building Division, Kampala District injuries makeshift kitchen, vibrations from vehicular traffic
on Dastur street, water ingress from heavy
downpour, lack of soil retaining walls
67 01-Jan-09 Collapsed Aya Hotel Nakaseero Road, Central Division, 4 deaths, 11 Not documented
Kampala District injuries
68 01-Dec-08 Collapsed Hiton Hotel Nakasero, Central Division, Kampala 4 deaths, 0 Not documented
District injuries
69 01-Dec-08 Collapsed old building under Not documented 3 deaths Not documented
demolition
70 14-Oct-08 Collapsed NSSF Building site Plot 15/17, Lumumba Avenue, 6 deaths, 2 Not documented
Kampala District injuries
71 Sep-08 Collapsed Makerere Central Division, Kampala District 0 deaths, 0 Not documented
University Fence injuries
72 30-Jan-08 Collapsed proposed school St. Peters Naalya, Kira Division, 11 deaths, 4 Weak concrete in structural elements, poor sand
 hostel Wakiso District injuries with high silt content, use of incompetent personnel
for execution and supervision
73 20-Oct-07 Collapsed Country Resort Kyengera Masaka Road 10 deaths, 2 Poor construction materials, lack of professional
injuries supervision, poor workmanship, speedy
construction, absence of drawings
74 29-Jun-06 Collapsed commercial shop Ben Kiwanuka Road, Central Division, 3 deaths, 0 Not documented
Kampala District injuries
75 22-Aug-06 Collapsed Hotel Kavule-Bunga Hill, Kampala-Gaba Rd, 0 deaths, 3 Poor structural design and construction
Makindye Division, Kampala District injuries
76 25-Jul-06 Collapse of trench walls Kasanga, Central Division, Kampala 2 deaths, 0 Not documented
District injuries
77 08-Mar-06 Collapsed soil Tick Hotel, Kawempe Division, 3 deaths, 2 No retaining structure and heavy downpour
Kampala District injuries
78 08-Mar-06 Collapsed church building Lower Nsoba Zone, Karelwe, Kampala 28 deaths, 150 Poor structural design and construction
under construction District injuries
79 16-Dec-06 Fire accident and Electrical Nile Resort Hotel, Jinja, Jinja District 0 deaths, 0 Overheating of cables due to undersize
installations fitness injuries
80 21-Oct-04 Collapsed proposed Seguku-Kajjassi, Wakiso District 0 deaths, 5 Not documented
commercial building injuries
81 31-Aug-04 Collapsed proposed 5-star Bwebajja-Entebbe Road, Wakiso 28 deaths, 11 Weak columns due to undersizing, insufficient steel
hotel apartment & leisure District injuries reinforcement with poor concrete, poor
centre construction methods
82 01-Sep-04 Collapsed hotel building Bwebajja Hill Road, Wakiso District 28 deaths, 26 Not documented
injuries
83 01-Jun-00 Collapse of excavation walls Plot 19 William Street, Central 3 deaths, 0 Unknown and not documented
Division, Kampala District injuries
84 05-Dec-99 Collapsed roof Kitante Hill School, Central Division, 0 deaths, 0 A strong wind blew off the rooftop
Kampala district injuries
85 14-Nov-99 Collapse of Uganda Moslem Mbarara 11 deaths, 0 Not documented
Supreme Council mosque injuries
86 20-Aug-99 Collapsed roof Naguru Katale Primary, Nakawa 0 deaths, 0 A heavy storm blew the roof
Division, Kampala district injuries
87 29-Jul-99 Collapsed 3rd-floor Central Division, Kampala District 0 deaths, 0 Not documented
parliamentary building injuries
88 11-May-99 Collapse of a building Car Mart, Kabalagala, Central 1 death Not documented
Division, Kampala District
89 02-Nov-97 Collapse of a suspended floor Buziga, Makindye Division, Kampala 0 deaths, 2 Lack of professionals for supervision and poor
slab District injuries construction methods
90 31-Oct-97 Collapse of a foundation Pilkington Road, Central Division, 4 deaths Not documented
trench Kampala District

Building collapses in Uganda have been recurrent issues since as far back as records go. These collapses are often attributed to a combination of
factors, ranging from poor construction practices to natural disasters. One significant cause is poor construction quality, where substandard
materials and inadequate workmanship result in structurally weak buildings. Additionally, the lack of supervision from qualified professionals
during construction exacerbates these issues. Design flaws also play a role, with buildings suffering from inadequate structural designs that
compromise their stability. Furthermore, natural disasters such as storms, floods, and earthquakes further weaken already vulnerable structures.
Foundation problems, including issues with soil stability and construction methods, contribute to collapses as well. Illegal construction without
proper permits or adherence to regulations adds to the risks. Maintenance neglect also plays a part, as deteriorating structures are more prone to
collapse over time. Accidents, such as collisions with vehicles or machinery, can also trigger collapses. Addressing these multifaceted issues
requires comprehensive efforts, including better regulations, professional oversight, and public education on construction safety.
Figure 1: A map of Uganda showing collapsed structures.
Figure 2: Map showing Spatial Distribution of Collapsed Structures
 Table 2: Number of collapsed structures, Deaths and Injured Persons in the following year

S/NO Year Deaths Frequency Injuries

1 2023 12 6 15
2 2022 7 7 24
3 2021 15 12 28
4 2020 42 10 26
5 2019 18 6 10
7 2018 0 2 3
8 2017 6 2 30
9 2016 4 3 22
10 2015 8 2 0
11 2014 1 3 16
12 2013 1 2 17
13 2012 1 2 4
14 2011 4 2 7
15 2010 3 3 5
16 2009 9 4 36
17 2008 24 5 6
18 2007 10 1 2
19 2006 36 6 155
20 2005 0 0 0
21 2004 42 3 56
22 2003 0 0 0
23 2002 0 0 0
24 2001 0 0 0
25 2000 3 1 0
26 1999 12 5 0
27 1998 0 0 0
28 1997 4 2 2

Table 2 provides a comprehensive overview of collapsed structures, fatalities, and injuries in Uganda
from 1997 to 2023. The data reveals fluctuations in the occurrences of collapsed structures, deaths, and
injuries over the years. Some years saw no collapsed structures, while others experienced spikes in
incidents, notably in 2006 and 2020. Conversely, years like 2005, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 1998 had no
reported collapses, indicating varying stability in construction practices. The data highlights the
unpredictable nature of building collapses, influenced by factors like building regulations, economic
conditions, and urban development. Years with more collapses tend to have higher fatalities and injuries,
underscoring their impact on public safety. While recent years show fewer collapses, ongoing vigilance
and enforcement of safety standards are crucial.

Efforts to enhance construction safety measures are essential, especially in years with spikes in collapses,
deaths, and injuries. Analysing past incidents can inform preventive measures to create safer
environments. Stakeholders must work together to mitigate risks and protect communities in Uganda.

Graph showing Deaths, Injuries and Frequency of Collapsed Structures

160

140

120

100
Numbers

80

60

40

20

0
23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00 99 98 97
20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 19 19 19

Year

Deaths Frequency Injuries

Figure 3: Graph showing Deaths, Injuries and Frequency of Collapsed Structures

Table 3: Number of collapsed structures, Deaths and Injured Persons in the following periods

S/NO PERIOD DEATH INJURY FREQUENCY

1 2023-2019 94 103 41

2 2018-2014 19 71 12

3 2013-2009 18 69 13

4 2008-2004 112 219 15

5 2003-1999 15 0 6

6 1998-1994 4 2 2
 Sum 262 464 89
This table presents a breakdown of collapsed structure incidents in Uganda, categorized by five-year
periods, along with the corresponding number of deaths and injuries. From 2019 to 2023, there were 94
deaths and 103 injuries recorded in 41 incidents. The period from 2014 to 2018 saw 19 deaths and 71
injuries in 12 incidents. In the span of 2009 to 2013, there were 18 deaths and 69 injuries reported across
13 incidents. The period from 2004 to 2008 recorded the highest numbers, with 112 deaths and 219
injuries in 15 incidents. Notably, from 1999 to 2003, there were 15 deaths reported but no injuries,
spanning six incidents. Finally, from 1994 to 1998, four deaths and two injuries were documented in two
incidents. Overall, across the entire dataset, there were 262 deaths, 464 injuries, and a total of 89 incidents
recorded.

DEATH
120
112

100 94

80
Number of Deaths

60

40

19 18
20 15
4
0
2023-2019 2018-2014 2013-2009 2008-2004 2003-1999 1998-1994
Period

Figure 4: Deaths and Injured Persons in the following year

 INJURIES
250

219

200
Number of the Injured

150

103
100
71 69

50

0 2
0
2023-2019 2018-2014 2013-2009 2008-2004 2003-1999 1998-1994
Period

Figure 5: Injured Persons due to collapsed structures in the following year

FREQUENCY OF COLLAPSED STRUCTURES

50

45
41
Frequency of collapsed structures

40

35

30

25

20
15
15 12 13
10
6
5 2
0
2023-2019 2018-2014 2013-2009 2008-2004 2003-1999 1998-1994
Periods

Figure 6: Number of collapsed structures in the following year

CONCLUSION

The data highlights the recurring problem of building collapses in Uganda, leading to deaths and injuries.
Factors like poor construction practices, design flaws, natural disasters, and neglect contribute to these
incidents. While the frequency of collapses varies over time, the need for consistent efforts to address the
root causes remains clear. Strict building regulations, professional oversight during construction, and
public education on safety are crucial. Analysing incidents by periods reveals trends, emphasizing the
need for ongoing monitoring and intervention. It is also discovered that Most incidences occurred in
Central and Makindye divisions in Kampala District. Collaboration among authorities, industry
stakeholders, and the public is essential to create safer environments and protect lives in Uganda.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Research should be carried out to ascertain why in period of 2023-2019 many buildings collapsed.

I. From fig 1, map of collapsed buildings, it shows that most collapsed buildings were in Kampala
district. Research should be also conducted to find out the causes, reasons and possible solutions.
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