WAKISO, Uganda — At least 22 people have been rescued after a building under construction at Holy City Church, Brother Ronnies Ministries, collapsed in Bwerenga, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda Police have said.
The collapse occurred on Monday evening, October 26, prompting an emergency rescue operation as authorities worked to establish whether more people remained trapped beneath the rubble.
In a statement, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said the rescued people were being evacuated to Entebbe Grade B Hospital for medical attention.
“Rescue operations are ongoing, with approximately 22 people rescued so far and being evacuated to Entebbe Grade B hospital facilities for medical attention,” Kawala said.
“We are working to establish whether anyone remains trapped beneath the rubble.”
Police said preliminary findings indicated that the collapsed structure was an extension of the main church building and had reached the fourth floor before the incident.
A joint team from the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) was deployed to the scene to support rescue efforts.
The number of people who may still be trapped remained unclear in the police statement. Authorities had also not confirmed any fatalities or provided a comprehensive account of the injuries sustained.
Cause of collapse under investigation
Police said investigations were underway to establish what caused the building to collapse.
The circumstances surrounding the failure of the structure, including whether construction or structural factors contributed to the incident, had not been established in the initial statement.
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The rescue operation was continuing as emergency teams searched the rubble and assessed the situation.
The incident adds to concerns about the safety of buildings under construction in Uganda, where authorities have previously investigated fatal structural collapses. However, no cause or responsibility has been established in the Bwerenga incident.
Further updates are expected from police as rescue teams establish whether anyone remains missing and investigators examine the circumstances of the collapse.
