By Ssenkayi Marvin Ezra
Uganda has introduced sweeping reforms to its construction sector following the enactment of the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2026, a new law aimed at strengthening safety standards, improving compliance, and promoting innovation within the industry.
The legislation, which came into force on 19 March 2026, marks a significant shift in how building operations are regulated, at a time when the country continues to face challenges linked to unsafe construction practices.
The reforms come against a backdrop of recurring building collapses, illegal developments, and widespread non-compliance with established standards—issues that have resulted in loss of life, property damage, and growing public concern over urban safety.
Government officials say the amended law is designed to restore order, enforce accountability, and ensure that Uganda’s built environment meets acceptable safety and planning standards.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, the Executive Secretary of the National Building Review Board (NBRB), Eng. Flavia Bwire, said the reforms are intended to enhance oversight and encourage adherence to approved procedures.
“All developers, contractors, professionals, and members of the public must comply with the law and follow approved building standards,” she said, emphasising the need for collective responsibility in ensuring safety across the sector.
One of the major changes introduced by the amendment is the restructuring of the National Building Review Board to improve efficiency and governance.
The Board’s membership has been reduced from 16 to nine members, drawing representation from key government ministries, including works and transport, lands, local government, and gender, as well as professional bodies such as engineers, architects, physical planners, and surveyors.
The law also significantly expands the functions and powers of the NBRB. Previously limited to handling complaints related to building permit approvals, the Board can now hear and determine complaints concerning any aspect of a building or its operations.
In addition, it has been granted authority to issue stop or evacuation orders in cases where safety is compromised and where building committees fail to act on its recommendations.
Further powers enable the Board to enforce penalties, access construction sites for inspection, guide local building committees on procedural matters, and refer cases to the police or professional bodies for further action. These provisions are expected to close regulatory gaps that previously hindered effective enforcement.
At the local level, Building Committees have also undergone reform. Their membership has been reduced from 11 to five members, with the introduction of designated leadership roles, including a Chairperson and Secretary. More notably, the committees now have expanded enforcement powers, including the authority to demolish or order the evacuation of buildings constructed in violation of the law—powers that were previously limited.
The amendment also introduces provisions to support innovation in the construction sector. While earlier legislation focused primarily on prohibiting unsafe building methods and materials, the new law creates a framework for approving and promoting unconventional technologies.
Developers and innovators will now be able to apply for official recognition of new building methods, subject to evaluation and gazetting for public use.
This shift is expected to encourage modern construction practices while maintaining safety standards. A notable example cited in past regulatory action is the prohibition of the Steel Timber Concrete Composite (STC) method, which was deemed unsafe after technical assessments.
In addition, the law expands liability provisions for negligence. Previously restricted to incidents occurring on construction sites, liability now extends to accidents occurring within completed buildings. Penalties have also been significantly increased, with offenders facing fines of up to 500 currency points (UGX 10 million), imprisonment of up to 12 years, or both.
Penalties for other offences have similarly been strengthened to serve as a deterrent. For instance, constructing a building without a permit now attracts penalties based on the size of the structure, rather than a fixed fine. Offences such as building after permit expiry or using prohibited methods also carry stricter sanctions under the revised law.
According to Eng. Bwire, additional regulations are being developed to operationalise the amendment. These will provide detailed guidance on enforcement procedures, approval of new technologies, demolition protocols, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
The enactment of the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2026 signals Uganda’s commitment to reforming its construction sector through stronger regulation, enhanced accountability, and support for innovation. As implementation begins, stakeholders across the industry are being urged to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and prioritise compliance.