Architects: Unqualified engineers killing Uganda’s construction sector

Uganda’s construction and housing industry is facing escalating risks, largely attributed to the increasing involvement of unqualified engineers.This trend has sparked urgent calls for intervention from government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). According to Daniel Sekamwa, a council member of the Uganda Society of Architects (USA), the unchecked presence of unqualified practitioners threatens not only the integrity of the industry but also public safety.In an interview on September 14, 2024, Sekamwa emphasized the critical need for swift regulatory measures to shield the sector from these rogue actors.“There is an urgent need to shield the profession from the infiltration of unqualified engineers and architects. Streamlining operations is critical to ensuring professionalism and safety across the construction sector,” Sekamwa warned.Sekamwa’s concerns highlight a broader issue within Uganda’s construction industry: the failure of regulatory bodies to enforce stringent compliance standards.As the demand for housing and infrastructure grows, the increasing reliance on unqualified engineers exacerbates problems such as poor construction quality, non-compliance with safety codes, and the rising incidence of collapsed buildings, particularly in urban centers like Kampala.The situation reflects systemic weaknesses in oversight mechanisms, where loopholes in regulatory frameworks allow for the continued involvement of unskilled personnel in highly technical projects.This concern comes ahead of a public symposium organized by the Uganda Society of Architects, titled “The Business of Construction in Uganda,” scheduled for September 20, 2024, at the Imperial Royale hotel in Kampala. The event will bring together key industry players to discuss the future of the construction sector.The symposium is set to attract a wide range of stakeholders, including architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors, lawyers, financial institutions, and suppliers of construction materials. Discussions will focus on critical issues such as project financing, regulatory compliance, sustainability and innovative technologies—all of which are essential to modernizing Uganda’s construction landscape.“In this rapidly evolving sector, the symposium will provide valuable insights on navigating the complexities of financing, meeting regulatory demands, and integrating sustainable technologies into construction projects,” Sekamwa added.Patrick Komaketch, another representative of the Uganda Society of Architects, emphasized the collaborative nature of the symposium. “With such a diverse group of participants, this event will serve as a unique platform for networking and collaboration, strengthening partnerships within Uganda’s construction industry,” he stated.In addition to the symposium, the Uganda Society of Architects has scheduled an Architectural Clinic on September 18 and 19 at Oasis mall, Kampala. This clinic will offer free consultations and expert advice on architectural matters, providing the public with an opportunity to engage directly with professionals.“This clinic is a vital initiative to bridge the gap between architects and the public,” Komaketch said. “It will give people the chance to ask questions and seek guidance on a wide range of construction-related issues.”The initiative has already been welcomed by the public. Sylvia Namatovu, a vendor at Kalerwe market, who recently completed a two-bedroom house in Namugongo, praised the opportunity. Namatovu pointed out that many Ugandans opt for unqualified engineers due to the high costs charged by registered professionals.The symposium will also feature prominent keynote speakers, including Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, managing director of the National Housing and Construction Company Limited, and Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, minister of Works and Transport.As the Uganda Society of Architects celebrates 50 years of raising industry standards, the country continues to face challenges, particularly in Kampala, where collapsed buildings have become common. The rise in such incidents has been attributed to non-compliance with building codes, substandard construction, and the employment of unqualified engineers.{loadposition inarticle}

Uganda’s construction and housing industry is facing escalating risks, largely attributed to the increasing involvement of unqualified engineers. This trend has sparked urgent calls for intervention from government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). According to Daniel Sekamwa, a council member of the Uganda Society of Architects (USA), the unchecked presence of unqualified practitioners threatens not only the integrity of the industry but also public safety.

In an interview on September 14, 2024, Sekamwa emphasized the critical need for swift regulatory measures to shield the sector from these rogue actors. “There is an urgent need to shield the profession from the infiltration of unqualified engineers and architects. Streamlining operations is critical to ensuring professionalism and safety across the construction sector,” Sekamwa warned.

Sekamwa’s concerns highlight a broader issue within Uganda’s construction industry: the failure of regulatory bodies to enforce stringent compliance standards. As the demand for housing and infrastructure grows, the increasing reliance on unqualified engineers exacerbates problems such as poor construction quality, non-compliance with safety codes, and the rising incidence of collapsed buildings, particularly in urban centers like Kampala. The situation reflects systemic weaknesses in oversight mechanisms, where loopholes in regulatory frameworks allow for the continued involvement of unskilled personnel in highly technical projects.

This concern comes ahead of a public symposium organized by the Uganda Society of Architects, titled “The Business of Construction in Uganda,” scheduled for September 20, 2024, at the Imperial Royale hotel in Kampala. The event will bring together key industry players to discuss the future of the construction sector. The symposium is set to attract a wide range of stakeholders, including architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors, lawyers, financial institutions, and suppliers of construction materials.

Discussions will focus on critical issues such as project financing, regulatory compliance, sustainability and innovative technologies—all of which are essential to modernizing Uganda’s construction landscape. “In this rapidly evolving sector, the symposium will provide valuable insights on navigating the complexities of financing, meeting regulatory demands, and integrating sustainable technologies into construction projects,” Sekamwa added. Patrick Komaketch, another representative of the Uganda Society of Architects, emphasized the collaborative nature of the symposium.

“With such a diverse group of participants, this event will serve as a unique platform for networking and collaboration, strengthening partnerships within Uganda’s construction industry,” he stated. In addition to the symposium, the Uganda Society of Architects has scheduled an Architectural Clinic on September 18 and 19 at Oasis mall, Kampala. This clinic will offer free consultations and expert advice on architectural matters, providing the public with an opportunity to engage directly with professionals.

“This clinic is a vital initiative to bridge the gap between architects and the public,” Komaketch said. “It will give people the chance to ask questions and seek guidance on a wide range of construction-related issues.” The initiative has already been welcomed by the public.

Sylvia Namatovu, a vendor at Kalerwe market, who recently completed a two-bedroom house in Namugongo, praised the opportunity. Namatovu pointed out that many Ugandans opt for unqualified engineers due to the high costs charged by registered professionals. The symposium will also feature prominent keynote speakers, including Eng.

Kenneth Kaijuka, managing director of the National Housing and Construction Company Limited, and Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, minister of Works and Transport. As the Uganda Society of Architects celebrates 50 years of raising industry standards, the country continues to face challenges, particularly in Kampala, where collapsed buildings have become common. The rise in such incidents has been attributed to non-compliance with building codes, substandard construction, and the employment of unqualified engineers.

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