Building collapse in Uganda’s capital leaves 1 dead, several injured

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - At least one person was killed and several others were injured when a building housing a restaurant in Uganda’s capital collapsed, police said Sunday.

They said at the time of incident at Loi Lang Restaurant near Kampala International University in Kampala, some South Sudanese nationals were watching an English Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal on television.

Upon being alerted to the collapse, police and fire prevention and rescue services along with members of the Kampala City Council Authority and a team of detectives rushed to the scene. The area was cordoned off and an investigation was launched.

Rescue workers continued combing through the rubble in search of any other survivors.

“A preliminary investigation has revealed that the building had an extension of a story structure with two floors. All of the victims were South Sudanese and the restaurant was also for South Sudanese,” Kampala Metropolitan spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire said in a statement.

He said one of the victims died on arrival at Mulago Hospital while four others are receiving treatment there.

Police are investigating the cause of the collapse.​​​​​​​

Uganda hosts thousands of South Sudanese nationals not only as refugees but also those who go there to study at universities and the rich who buy houses in Kampala.