NBRB highlights key reforms in Building Control Amendment Act 2026

9 April 2026, 12:20 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Executive Secretary of the National Building Review Board, Eng. Flavia Bwire, has addressed the media at the Uganda Media Centre, emphasizing the importance of the Building Control (Amendment) Act 2026 and the reforms it introduces.

She informed the public that following the President’s assent and gazettement of the amended law, significant changes have been put in place to strengthen the regulation, supervision, and enforcement of building standards across Uganda.

Eng. Bwire explained that under the Building Control Act, the National Building Review Board, an agency under the Ministry of Works and Transport, was established as the central regulatory body overseeing building control in the country. Since its formation, the Board has automated processes through the Building Industry Management System, enhanced compliance by developing guidelines and checklists, and improved standards through regulatory frameworks such as the Building Control Regulations 2020.

She further revealed that the amendment expands the enforcement powers of building committees. These committees can now not only order but also enforce demolition or evacuation of structures built in violation of the law. Previously, committees could only issue written demolition orders without the authority to implement them, especially in cases involving non-compliant developers.

Additionally, she noted that the next step is the development of regulations to operationalize the amendment. These will address key areas such as demolition procedures, approval of unconventional building technologies and materials, strict liability penalties, and complaints handling mechanisms.

Eng. Bwire emphasized that the reforms are aimed at promoting safety, order, and accountability within Uganda’s construction sector. She urged developers, contractors, professionals, and the general public to comply with the law and adhere to approved building standards and procedures.

She concluded by encouraging stakeholders to engage with the National Building Review Board for further information and guidance.