By Our Reporter
The government is proposing stiffer penalties—including a 12-year jail term or a fine of UGX 10 million—for individuals whose negligence or omission leads to fatal injuries or damage on building sites.
The proposal is contained in the Building Control (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was tabled before Parliament by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, on March 21, 2025. The Bill was referred to Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure for scrutiny.
Clause 16 of the Bill seeks to amend Section 44 of the principal Act by increasing the penalty for liability in building-related accidents. The proposed changes would raise the fine from 288 currency points (UGX 5.76 million) to 500 currency points (UGX 10 million).
The Bill states: “Any person whose negligence, commission or omission causes or leads to the occurrence of an accident on a building or construction site, resulting in injury, death, or property destruction, commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding 500 currency points (UGX 10 million), imprisonment not exceeding 12 years, or both.”
Objectives of the Amendment
According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Bill aims to address gaps in the Building Control Act, Cap. 136. Key objectives include:
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Expanding the functions and powers of the Building Control Board
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Streamlining the composition and responsibilities of Building Committees
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Enhancing procedures for the approval of building and occupation permits
Government argues that the amendments are necessary to improve oversight, accountability, and safety standards in Uganda’s construction industry.
If passed, the Bill will empower the Building Control Board to:
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Issue stop-work or evacuation orders where safety concerns exist and Building Committees have failed to act
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Issue express penalties for specific violations, as prescribed by the Minister through regulations
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Guide Building Committees on procedural matters
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Access and inspect construction sites
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Report building-related complaints to police for investigation
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Refer professional misconduct to relevant regulatory bodies
New Powers and Qualifications
The proposed amendments also seek to expand the qualifications for the Executive Secretary of the Board. The candidate must now possess professional qualifications and experience in both the built environment and either law, management, or public administration.
Additionally, the Bill introduces more stringent penalties for individuals who construct buildings without approved permits. Clause 7 proposes replacing the current maximum fine of 50 currency points (UGX 1 million) or two years in prison with a fine equivalent to one currency point per square meter of the built-up area—or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both.
“A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine of one currency point per square meter of the built-up area, or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both,” the Bill reads.
Expanded Enforcement Powers
The Ministry is also proposing a new Section 8A to extend the powers of the Board. This includes:
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Enforcing compliance with safety standards
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Demolishing or ordering the evacuation of buildings erected in contravention of the law
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Providing for the use of non-conventional building methods and materials where appropriate
These reforms, if enacted, are expected to tighten building regulations, promote safer construction practices, and enhance the accountability of developers and building owners across the country.