The Kira Road Police Division is investigating an incident of a rash and negligent act causing death that occurred on 6th January 2026 at about 1:00 pm at West Mall Building, Komamboga Central Zone, Kawempe Division, Kampala City.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer, Kampala Metropolitan Police, said preliminary investigations indicate that excavation works were underway to construct a new septic tank near an existing one after a reported sewage blockage.
During the excavation process, the old septic tank collapsed, caving in on workers who were on site at the time.
As a result of the incident, two casual workers managed to escape, although one sustained a fractured arm and was rushed to a nearby clinic for medical treatment. Tragically, one worker, Mukwaya Abubakar, a 28-year-old plumber, was buried under the debris and died at the scene.
Police responded promptly, visited and documented the scene, and coordinated with the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services, who deployed an excavator to retrieve the deceased’s body. The body was subsequently conveyed to KCCA Mortuary for post-mortem examination.
A case of rash and negligent act causing death has been formally registered, and investigations are ongoing to establish responsibility and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Uganda Police Force strongly cautions building owners, contractors, site supervisors, and workers to strictly observe construction safety procedures, conduct proper site assessments, and engage qualified personnel during excavation and construction works to prevent such tragic loss of life.
