Nastional Building Review Board has stepped up efforts to restore order in the construction sector following the enforcement of the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2026 in Uganda
Eng Flavia Gutto Bwire Executive Secretary and Accounting Officer of the National Building Review Board (NBRB) in Uganda said the new law responds to growing concerns over building collapses, unregulated developments and widespread noncompliance with approved construction standards.
she said Uganda’s construction sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by urbanization and increased demand for housing and commercial space however, this growth has also exposed weaknesses in supervision and enforcement, with some developers bypassing approval processes or using substandard materials.
Under the revised law, authorities will intensify inspections and ensure that all construction projects adhere to approved plans and professional standards. Developers who fail to comply risk penalties, suspension of work or further legal action.
“Engineers, architects, and contractors will be held more accountable for the safety and integrity of the structures they handle,”Bwire stated.
she further said the reforms place public safety at the centre of building control, noting that many past building failures could have been prevented with proper supervision and adherence to regulations.
The enforcement of the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2026 marks a significant step in government’s efforts to streamline the construction sector, with authorities expressing confidence that the new measures will help reduce risks and ensure safer buildings across the country.
Uganda’s construction and housing sector is one of the fastest growing industries contributing roughly 11 to 13% to GDP driven by rapid Urbanization and infrastructure investments. The industry is experiencing a boom in residential and commercial projects but faces a 2.6 million housing unit deficit. Recent 2025 legal reforms, including the Building Control (Amendment) Act, aim to tighten safety standards and enforce professional accountability following incidents of structural collapse.
