Uganda Strengthens Building Standards as New Law Takes Effect

By Our Reporter

Uganda has introduced sweeping reforms to tighten regulation of the construction sector following the enactment of the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2026, aimed at curbing unsafe construction practices and preventing building collapses.

According to the National Building Review Board (NBRB), the new amendments came into force on March 19, 2026, after receiving presidential assent and publication in the gazette. Officials say the reforms will strengthen supervision, enforcement, and accountability across the country’s rapidly growing construction industry.

In a press release, NBRB Executive Secretary Flavia G. Bwire said the changes are necessary to address persistent safety challenges that have accompanied Uganda’s urban growth.

Uganda’s building sector has expanded significantly over the years due to urbanisation, population growth, and infrastructure development. While the growth has contributed to economic progress, authorities say it has also resulted in widespread non-compliance with building standards, use of unapproved materials, weak supervision, and recurring building collapses that have led to loss of life and property.

The amendments build on the existing Building Control Act, which established the NBRB under the Ministry of Works and Transport as the central body responsible for regulating building operations in the country.

Since its creation, the Board has introduced several reforms, including automation of construction approval processes through the Building Industry Management System (BIMS) and development of legal instruments such as the National Building Code 2019 and Building Control Regulations 2020. Authorities say these measures have improved compliance and strengthened professional standards, although challenges remain.

Smaller Board, Expanded Powers

One of the key changes under the amendment is the reduction of the NBRB board membership from 16 to nine members. The new structure includes representatives from government ministries and professional bodies such as engineers, architects, physical planners, and surveyors.

The law also expands the Board’s functions, allowing it to hear and determine complaints relating to any building or building operation, rather than limiting its role to permit approval disputes as before.

Under the new provisions, the Board now has powers to issue stop or evacuation orders where safety is compromised, enter building sites to enforce compliance, refer professional misconduct cases to relevant professional bodies, and report criminal matters to the police.

Officials say these expanded powers are intended to address illegal construction and unsafe buildings more effectively.

Changes to Local Building Committees

The amendment also restructures Building Committees at district and urban levels, reducing their membership from 11 to five technical officers. These include officials responsible for engineering, physical planning, health, architecture, and environmental management.

Accounting officers, previously members of these committees, have been removed from direct membership and will instead serve as appointing authorities. Building Committees are now required to submit quarterly reports to the NBRB to enhance monitoring and oversight.

In addition, Building Committees have been granted authority to demolish or order evacuation of buildings constructed in violation of the law. Previously, they could issue demolition orders but lacked authority to enforce them directly in cases of non-compliance.

Clearer Permit Rules

The new law introduces stricter timelines for building permit applications. Applicants now have 12 months to submit any additional documentation requested by Building Committees, after which the application will expire.

Construction must begin within 12 months of receiving a permit and be completed within 60 months. Developers who anticipate delays are required to apply for permit extensions at least 30 days before expiry.

The amendments also strengthen the complaints resolution process. Complaints must first be reported to district Chief Administrative Officers or Town Clerks, who will instruct Building Committees to act. If unresolved, the matter can then be escalated to the NBRB.

Mandatory Compliance with National Building Code

Another major provision makes adherence to the National Building Code compulsory for all building operations. Authorities say this will ensure that all construction meets uniform safety and quality standards nationwide.

The amendments also encourage innovation by allowing approval of unconventional building methods, materials, and technologies, provided they undergo technical assessment and are officially gazetted.

This move follows earlier restrictions on certain construction methods, including the Steel Timber Concrete Composite (STC) system, which had been banned after safety concerns.

Harsher Penalties for Violations

The law introduces tougher penalties for offences such as building without permits, using prohibited methods, or continuing construction after permits expire.

For instance, penalties for constructing without a permit have been revised from a flat fine to a calculation based on the size of the building, with additional prison terms of up to five years.

Penalties for negligence causing accidents to have also increased from fines of up to UGX 5.6 million to UGX 10 million or imprisonment of up to 12 years, or both.

Authorities say the stricter penalties are intended to deter developers from ignoring safety standards.

Next Steps

The NBRB says the next phase will involve developing regulations to operationalise the amendments. These regulations will guide enforcement procedures, demolition protocols, approval of new technologies, and handling of complaints.

The National Building Code will also be revised to align with the new law.

Officials have urged developers, contractors, and property owners to familiarise themselves with the amendments and comply with all building requirements.

“These reforms are intended to promote safety, order, and accountability in Uganda’s building sector,” Bwire said, calling on all stakeholders to adhere to approved standards and procedures.

The Board has encouraged members of the public seeking clarification to contact its offices or local authorities for guidance on compliance with the new law.