At least three people sustained severe injuries on Sunday evening when a sauna exploded at Buziga Country Resort in Kampala, raising urgent concerns about the safety and regulation of sauna facilities across the country.
Police confirmed that the blast, which occurred around 8:30 pm, left significant structural damage and forced the evacuation of victims to Kiruddu, Nsambya, and Mulago hospitals.
Among the injured was 69-year-old Hajjati Mastula, the vice chairperson of Katuuso village, who sustained burns on her chest and back.
Two other victims, Zahara Nakaweesi and Mamrum Aisha, suffered extensive burns, with Nakaweesi also sustaining a broken leg.
Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire described the blast as “huge,” noting that the sauna building partially collapsed, with walls cracked and debris scattered.
Investigations are now underway to determine whether poor maintenance, negligence, or faulty equipment contributed to the tragedy.
While saunas are popular for relaxation, detoxification, and social bonding, they carry significant risks if not properly designed, maintained, and monitored.
Globally, poor ventilation, faulty heating systems, gas leaks, and substandard construction have been linked to injuries and deaths in sauna facilities.
In Finland—the birthplace of the modern sauna—safety guidelines emphasize controlled heating systems, regular ventilation checks, and mandatory fire safety equipment.
A study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare shows that although sauna use is culturally entrenched, incidents of burns and fires are rare due to stringent regulations.
By contrast, in countries where regulation is weaker, such as parts of Africa and Asia, unsafe saunas have led to recurring accidents.
Experts recommend that saunas undergo routine inspections—not just for temperature control but also for electrical wiring, fire hazards, and structural stability.
Key global safety practices include:
- Temperature Regulation: Saunas should not exceed 90–100°C. Modern systems use thermostats and automatic shut-off devices to prevent overheating.
- Ventilation Systems: Proper airflow prevents carbon monoxide buildup and overheating.
- Electrical and Gas Safety: Only certified technicians should install or repair heating systems. In some countries, gas-powered sauna heaters are outright banned due to explosion risks.
- Fire Prevention: Saunas must have smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and clear emergency exits. In Germany, operators are legally required to train staff in fire response.
- Regular Building Checks: Authorities in places like Canada and Finland enforce annual inspections to ensure compliance with safety codes.
Uganda’s Regulatory Gaps
Uganda has no dedicated sauna safety law, relying instead on broad building and occupational safety guidelines.
Police now say they will consult the National Building Review Board to assess whether the Buziga facility complied with standards.
However, with the increasing popularity of saunas in Kampala and other urban centers, experts warn that unless enforcement improves, more lives could be at risk.
“Saunas can be therapeutic, but without regular inspections and strong regulation, they turn into death traps.” a public health specialist note.
He emphasizes the need for government to create a licensing regime specific to saunas, covering construction, maintenance, and staff training.
A Call for Safety Awareness
The Buziga incident is not the first of its kind in Kampala. Previous sauna-related explosions and fires have left scores injured, pointing to a pattern of neglect and under-regulation.
For clients, experts advise checking whether a sauna is well-ventilated, asking about maintenance routines, and avoiding facilities that appear overcrowded or poorly maintained.
As investigations into Sunday’s explosion continue, the victims’ ordeal serves as a stark reminder that saunas, while marketed as spaces of healing and relaxation, can quickly turn into sites of danger if safety takes a back seat.
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