Kampala Capital City Authority has warned developers against illegal construction, unsafe electrical installations and building in wetlands, citing risks from floods, building collapses and market fires.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has warned developers and property owners against unsafe construction practices, saying buildings erected without approved plans and homes built in wetlands expose residents to preventable disasters.
The warning was issued during the commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction at KCCA headquarters in City Hall, Kampala, under the theme “Resilience Starts at Home.”
Representing KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, Benon Moses Kigenyi warned that residents in flood-prone areas, including Bwaise, Katanga and Nakivubo, face the risk of drowning during heavy rains.
Kigenyi also raised concerns about market fires reported in Kampala over the past 12 months, attributing some of the risks to faulty electrical wiring and unsafe connections that can cause extensive property damage and loss of life.
He cautioned developers against putting up buildings without approved plans from KCCA and discouraged the construction of homes in wetlands. He also warned against establishing rental units without proper toilet facilities, saying such practices threaten public safety.
KCCA engineer Justus Akankwasa said disaster preparedness begins with ensuring that homes are safely designed and properly constructed.
Akankwasa identified flooding as one of Kampala’s major hazards and called for support from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to address environmental challenges that increase the city’s vulnerability.
He said KCCA’s approach focuses on proper planning, supervision and compliance with construction standards, urging developers and property owners to work with authorities to identify and address potential hazards before they become emergencies.
KCCA manager Agnes Mugaba said the authority had undertaken initiatives to promote compliance with construction standards and encourage infrastructure development that reduces exposure to disasters.
Mugaba added that KCCA was encouraging residents to form community associations through which they could receive training in disaster prevention, preparedness and response.
Representing the Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, Hon. Judith Nalukwago urged residents to take personal responsibility for their safety by preparing for emergencies and investing in safer homes.
Nalukwago said safety should take priority over affordability when constructing homes and added that the Lord Mayor’s office would work with stakeholders to strengthen prevention efforts across the city.
The commemoration called for cooperation among city authorities, developers and residents to improve building safety and reduce Kampala’s exposure to floods, fires and other hazards.