WAKISO, Uganda — Police in Wakiso District are investigating the death of a 43-year-old man who was killed after a tree collapsed and fell on him at a construction site in Kira Municipality.
The incident occurred on Sunday in Kitikifumba Zone, where the victim, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was reportedly struck by the falling tree and sustained serious injuries.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the victim was rushed to a nearby health centre for treatment before being referred to Mulago Hospital. However, he died while being transported to the hospital.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, August 10, during the weekly police press briefing at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Owoyesigyire said police had visited and examined the scene as investigations continued.
Police are treating the incident as a case of a rash and negligent act resulting in death, as investigators seek to establish the circumstances that led to the tree falling.
“We shall be giving you more details as they become available,” Owoyesigyire said, adding that police would communicate the next course of action after completing their investigations.
The incident has renewed concerns about safety measures at construction sites, particularly in areas where tree-cutting and other potentially hazardous activities are carried out.
Under Uganda’s Penal Code Act, a rash or negligent act generally involves a reckless or negligent action, or failure to exercise proper care, that causes harm or death without amounting to murder or manslaughter. Upon conviction, the offence can attract a prison sentence of up to seven years.
Police have continued to urge construction site managers and workers to observe safety precautions and properly assess potential hazards to prevent avoidable deaths and injuries.
