In Nansana municipality, Uganda, a tragic incident occurred during heavy rainfall as five billboards collapsed, leading to the unfortunate death of a 17-year-old girl named Mary Najjemba. Mary was working near the Lubigi police post when the incident took place.
Mary Najjemba lost her life while inside a parked vehicle near one of the collapsed billboards, and another occupant of the car sustained injuries. Additionally, the heavy rain caused damage to the rooftop of a building in Nansana municipality. Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Police Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, provided details of the incident.
Owoyesigyire explained, “She was dealing in clothes and a resident of Wamala. At the time of her death, Najjemba was taking shelter in a taxi, registration number UAW 261N. Due to the heavy rains, the billboard fell and hit the parked car in the compound of the Lubigi police post and crushed her.”
Authorities are actively searching for the owners of these billboards. Owoyesigyire stated, “We are currently working to identify the owners of these billboards. In municipalities, such as Nansana, it’s typically the responsibility of the municipality, and in Kampala, it falls under KCCA (Kampala Capital City Authority). We want to determine whether these billboards were inspected regularly. However, we have not yet made contact with any of the owners.”
Three other billboards also fell, causing traffic disruptions at Stabex petrol station on Hoima Road until the fire brigade arrived to clear the road after the heavy rains. Police authorities have issued a warning to the public, urging them to avoid seeking shelter under trees and billboards during rainfall.
The body of the deceased, Mary Najjemba, is currently at the Mulago City mortuary as the police await contact from her family members.
