The Ministry of Works and Transport has revealed that a total of 41 fires or explosions were recorded during investigations on building accidents in a period of two years.
These were conducted in the period between January 2020 and December 2022 when 25 buildings also collapsed.
Sixteen of these were recorded in schools, 4 in homes and 21 in commercial buildings.
According to the Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala, the investigations further revealed that 65.6% of the fires were caused by human factors (negligence and arson).
The minister adds that in all these cases, 31 lives were lost and 18 people injured, while property worth millions of shillings was lost.
He says the statistics called for ease of evacuation, calling for ease of accessibility for all including physically challenged person.e
The minister was addressing journalists ahead of the National Building Control awards 2023 intended to celebrate the excellence, innovation and dedication at individuals and organizations within the industry, for their efforts in ensuring building accessibility and fire safety.
