LIRA CITY – Police in Lira City East Division have launched an investigation after a building collapsed during the FUFA Drum football match between Lango and Teso provinces, leaving at least eight people injured.
The incident occurred on March 29, 2026, at the Uganda Technical College (UTC) grounds in Lira City. According to the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the event drew an estimated crowd of over 30,000 supporters from the Lango, Acholi, and Teso regions.
The match kicked off at 4:00 PM, with spectators paying an entry fee of UGX 5,000. However, as excitement grew, the massive turnout overwhelmed ticketing officials, who were forced to withdraw toward verification points. In an attempt to gain a better view of the match, some spectators climbed onto the roof of an old classroom block and nearby trees.
The collapse occurred approximately 79 minutes into the second half, immediately after the Lango Province team scored a goal against Teso. The jubilation caused a section of the old classroom structure to give way, leaving several spectators trapped under the debris.
Police officers deployed at the venue responded swiftly, coordinating the evacuation of the injured. Victims were initially rushed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital with injuries ranging from fractures to the arms and legs, as well as dental injuries.
Authorities have identified six of the victims as:
· Ouni Emmanuel, 23, a resident of Lira City
· Okello Dan, 22, a resident of Lira City East Division
· Ogwal Sam, 24, a resident of Lira City
· Emitu Michael, 25, a resident of Soroti District
· Ayaka Eliza, 27, a resident of Soroti District
· Elotu John, 30, a resident of Soroti District
Two other victims, whose identities were still being verified at the time of the police report, were referred to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital for further treatment.
A case of "accident by collapsed building" has been registered at Lira City East Police Division as inquiries into the circumstances continue.
"We would like to advise members of the public to exercise caution while attending crowded events and to avoid climbing on unsafe structures to avoid such incidents," SP Okema said in the statement.
Police have promised to provide further updates as investigations progress and have extended wishes for a quick recovery to the injured.
