Scores of construction workers narrowly escaped death on Monday afternoon after a multi storey building under construction partially buckled along Bishop Tucker Road in Mukono Municipality, raising fresh concerns about construction safety standards, enforcement of building regulations and the quality of supervision on private developments.
The incident occurred as workers were pouring concrete on the second floor of the building. According to eyewitnesses, one of the supporting pillars suddenly failed, causing one side of the structure to bend inward and leaving the building dangerously unstable.
No fatalities or serious injuries had been confirmed by the time of filing this report, with workers fleeing the site moments after the structure began to give way.
One construction worker, who requested anonymity to speak publicly, claimed that labourers had repeatedly raised concerns about the pace and quality of the work.
“We warned that some construction stages appeared to have been skipped, but the engineer insisted that following every procedure would delay the project,” the worker said.
He further alleged that the site lacked consistent professional supervision, claiming the supervising engineer was rarely present and that much of the work had been left to relatively inexperienced labourers.
The allegations have not yet been independently verified.
The collapse attracted residents, traders and motorists, many of whom questioned whether the building had been adequately inspected during construction.
Derrick Kijambu, a businessman operating opposite the site, blamed what he described as weak enforcement by municipal authorities.
“The construction of the first phase started a long time ago. When the owner expanded the project, the earlier approved plans should have been reviewed. Authorities have failed to properly monitor these developments. In Mukono, many people construct buildings the way they want, and that is why we continue seeing such incidents,” Kijambu said.
Mukono Municipal Engineer Olivia Nantongo visited the scene shortly after the incident and carried out a brief inspection before leaving.
She said the municipality would begin investigations to establish the cause of the structural failure before determining the next course of action.
Authorities had not officially commented on whether construction permits would be suspended or whether the building owner would face any enforcement measures.
By Monday evening, the project’s supervising engineer could not be reached, with workers at the site saying he had left after the incident.
The latest structural failure has revived debate over building safety in Mukono Municipality, where several commercial buildings have previously developed serious structural defects during or after construction.
Among the notable cases frequently cited by residents is Muzza Plaza, which reportedly experienced structural concerns during construction before later being completed and occupied.
Similar concerns have previously been raised about the building housing Paris Corner Supermarket, where cracks reportedly developed and additional basement support pillars were installed.
Shades Garden has also been mentioned among buildings that experienced structural challenges during construction.
Kasawo commercial building’s upper floor was damaged by fire but was later cleared for continued use after assessments and later refurbishment.
Residents have also pointed to the Satellite Building, where significant cracks reportedly forced owners to restrict access to the upper floor.
The recurring incidents have prompted renewed calls for comprehensive structural audits of commercial buildings across Mukono Municipality.
Several residents are now urging the National Building Review Board and other regulatory agencies to conduct independent inspections of buildings considered to be at risk before another incident results in loss of life.
The latest near tragedy has once again exposed concerns over whether existing building control systems are sufficiently preventing unsafe construction practices.
Uganda’s building regulations require qualified professionals to supervise construction projects, while local authorities are mandated to inspect works at different stages to ensure compliance with approved plans and structural standards.
Construction experts say failures such as collapsed columns or buckled structures often point to a combination of factors, including poor structural design, substandard materials, inadequate reinforcement, alterations to approved plans, overloading during construction, or insufficient technical supervision. A formal engineering investigation will be needed to establish the exact cause of Monday’s incident.
Beyond the immediate danger to construction workers, the incident raises broader questions about public safety in rapidly urbanising municipalities such as Mukono, where commercial development continues to accelerate. Buildings that develop structural defects during construction can pose long term risks if underlying weaknesses are not fully addressed before occupation.
For municipal authorities, the incident is likely to renew scrutiny over inspection capacity and enforcement of building standards. If investigations reveal negligence or violations of approved building plans, the case could influence how future developments are monitored and regulated.
The incident also serves as a warning to developers that compliance with engineering standards and continuous professional supervision are not procedural formalities but essential safeguards that protect workers, future occupants and the wider public. As Mukono continues to expand, ensuring that development is matched by effective regulation will be critical in preventing future disasters.
