By Swift Reporter
Two bodies have reportedly been recovered from the rubble of a multi-storey building under construction at Holy City Church, operated by Brother Ronnie’s Ministries, in Bwerenga, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, following its collapse.
The incident occurred on Monday evening when a building being constructed as an extension of the church collapsed, triggering an emergency response involving police, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other rescue agencies.
Police had earlier reported that approximately 22 people had been rescued from the rubble and were being evacuated to Entebbe Grade B Hospital for medical attention.
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Kawala said rescue operations were ongoing as emergency teams searched for people who might still be trapped beneath the debris.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the collapsed structure had reached the fourth floor before it gave way.
The National Building Review Board (NBRB) also dispatched investigators to the scene to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
In an update issued at 2:20am on Tuesday, the board said its investigations team remained on the ground, examining preliminary evidence to help determine what caused the building to collapse.
The cause of the incident had not been established by the time of publication. Authorities had also not provided a comprehensive account of the casualties or confirmed whether the reported recovery of the second body had been formally verified.
The collapse has renewed concerns about construction safety and compliance with building regulations, particularly regarding multi-storey structures.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the construction project, including whether the necessary approvals were obtained and whether the structure complied with applicable safety standards. No findings of wrongdoing had been announced.
Rescue teams continue to focus on searching the debris, assisting survivors and establishing the full extent of the casualties as investigations proceed.
Further details are expected as police and the NBRB verify information from the scene.
