Gov’t, engineers push for tougher regulation to curb building collapses

What the report says

Engineers in Uganda are urging tighter enforcement of existing laws to curb building collapses and reduce the risks posed by unqualified people working on construction projects. According to reporting by The Independent Uganda, the call was made at the fifth Uganda Buildcon Expo in Kampala, where the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) said the current legal framework already restricts engineering work to registered professionals but is not being enforced strongly enough.

UIPE Vice President for Finance and Administration Martin Kalibbala said the Engineers Registration Act of 1969 is intended to protect the public, yet weak oversight has left room for unregistered practitioners to take on engineering tasks. He said the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Engineers Registration Board and UIPE are working on new registration regulations to clarify standards, improve compliance and help the public identify qualified practitioners. Kalibbala also said Uganda has about 12,000 people in the wider engineering field, but only about 2,000 are fully registered engineers.

State minister for Lands Harriet Ntabazi said the government is preparing tougher action against engineers, contractors and manufacturers whose negligence contributes to structural failures. She said regulators are reviewing construction rules and that those responsible for designing or supervising unsafe buildings should face serious penalties. Ntabazi also raised concerns about substandard materials and called for stronger enforcement by the National Building Review Board and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.

More broadly, the remarks reflect ongoing concern over construction safety in Uganda and the need for better compliance with planning and building standards, especially as the country continues to expand infrastructure and urban development.