Uganda’s construction and housing industry is increasingly endangered by unqualified engineers, prompting a call for urgent intervention by Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Daniel Sekamwa, a council member of the Uganda Society of Architects (USA), sounded the alarm in an interview on Saturday 14th September, 2024, emphasizing the need to protect the industry from rogue practitioners.
“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.
This concern arises ahead of a public symposium organized by the Uganda Society of Architects, themed “The Business of Construction in Uganda.” Scheduled for September 20, 2024, at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala, the event will bring together key industry players to discuss the future of the construction sector.
The symposium will gather a wide range of stakeholders, including architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors, lawyers, financial institutions, and suppliers of construction materials. Discussions will focus on 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 USA representative, 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 said.
Ahead of the symposium, the Society has also scheduled an Architectural Clinic for September 18th and 19th at Oasis Mall, Kampala. The clinic aims to offer free consultations and expert advice on architectural matters, allowing the public to engage with professionals directly.
“This clinic is a vital initiative to bridge the gap between architects and the public,” Komaketch noted. “It will give people the chance to ask questions and seek guidance on a wide range of construction-related issues.”
The public has already shown appreciation for the initiative, with individuals like Sylvia Namatovu, a vendor at Kalerwe Market, welcoming the opportunity. Namatovu, who recently completed a two-bedroom house in Namugongo, noted that many Ugandans opt for unqualified engineers due to the high costs charged by registered professionals.
The symposium will feature keynote speakers such as Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, Managing Director of the National Housing and Construction Company Limited, and Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport.
The Uganda Society of Architects, which has been active for 50 years, remains committed to raising standards in the construction industry. However, the country continues to grapple with the rise of collapsed buildings, particularly in Kampala, due to non-compliance with building codes, poor construction quality, and the use of unqualified engineers.
