The Uganda Society of Architects (USA) has warned developers against hiring unregistered practitioners in the construction sector, cautioning that the continued use of quacks is fueling the surge in building collapses across the country.
The call comes ahead of the National Symposium on Architecture and the Creative Economy, scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
Under the Architects Registration Act, Cap 269, only registered architects with valid practicing certificates issued by the Architects Registration Board are authorized to design, prepare building plans, and supervise construction works in Uganda.
However, many developers continue to bypass this requirement in a bid to cut costs, a practice experts say has led to substandard work and poorly supervised projects.
“Architects are the brains behind safe and innovative building projects, but their expertise is often ignored. Some developers believe involving an architect is an unnecessary expense, yet the consequences of avoiding them are disastrous,” said Jacquiline Namayanja, president of the Uganda Society of Architects, while addressing journalists in Kampala.
Themed “Sustainable Architecture and the Creative Economy: Driving Uganda’s GDP Growth Through Design, Film, Music, Fashion, Digital Media, and Cultural Heritage,” the symposium will explore architecture’s role in economic transformation while addressing challenges in the industry.
Namayanja said the event will promote collaboration across creative sectors. “This symposium is a platform for showcasing how architecture and the creative economy can work together to define Uganda’s identity, attract investment, and build a sustainable future.” She added that Uganda’s construction industry is rapidly evolving, with growing demand for financing, stricter regulatory frameworks, and the adoption of sustainable technologies.
“The symposium will provide valuable insights on how to integrate cutting-edge, sustainable approaches into our projects,” she said. The joint event is organized by the Uganda Society of Architects in partnership with the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Creative Industries (UGAPAFOCI).
It will convene professionals from architecture, design, fashion, film, digital media, and cultural heritage sectors.
Racheal Magoola, Chairperson of UGAPAFOCI, highlighted the broader impact of the creative economy. “The creative industries are a vital engine for Uganda’s economy. From music and film to fashion, design, and digital media, they create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our national identity.”
The one-day symposium is open to the public at a fee of Shs 250,000. Organizers say the discussions will chart a new course for both the construction sector and Uganda’s creative industries, ensuring that safety, innovation, and sustainability remain central to national development.
