Uganda moves to regularize foreign architects operating illegally in the country

What the report says

Uganda’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) says it is moving to tighten oversight of foreign architects practising in the country without the registration required by law. According to The Independent Uganda, ARB chair Mirriam Lawino raised the issue at a symposium in Kampala, saying some foreign professionals are entering Uganda, registering companies or consultancy entities with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, and then offering architectural services without obtaining ARB approval.

The board says foreign architects can legally work in Uganda through temporary registration, which requires them to meet the conditions set out under the Architects Registration Act and work with a registered local architect. Lawino said the ARB has reached an understanding with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this process, but wants clearer rules to prevent people from operating outside the system. The board is now developing a practice note on foreign practitioners and has also begun reviewing the 1996 law governing the profession.

The proposed reforms go beyond foreign registration. The ARB is considering wider updates to cover related built-environment roles, a possible tiered professional structure, and digital verification tools such as QR codes on architectural drawings to improve traceability and reduce forged stamps. The publication said the board currently lists 419 architects and that the issue has gained urgency as Uganda’s cities, housing needs and infrastructure expand.