Amendment expands powers to demolish illegal buildings — Bwire

Sweeping reforms in Uganda’s construction sector are set to tighten enforcement of building standards following the President’s assent to the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2026.

The amendments, which came into force on March 19, 2026, are aimed at strengthening regulation, supervision, and compliance within the country’s building industry.

According to Flavia Gutto Bwire, Executive Secretary of the National Building Review Board, the revised law significantly expands the enforcement powers of Building Committees, particularly in dealing with illegal or non-compliant structures.

“The amendment gives Building Committees stronger authority to act decisively,” Bwire said. “They can now order the demolition or evacuation of buildings constructed in contravention of the Act and its regulations.”

Under the previous legal framework, Building Committees could issue written orders recommending demolition where necessary. However, enforcement was often constrained by limited authority and procedural gaps.

Bwire noted that the new law removes these limitations by granting committees clearer and more direct enforcement powers.

“Previously, the Building Committee could only issue written directives, but enforcement was not always effective,” she explained. “Now, there is legal backing to ensure that such orders are implemented.”

The changes are expected to address longstanding concerns over the proliferation of substandard buildings, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas where enforcement has struggled to keep pace with development.

The amendment comes against the backdrop of increasing incidents of building collapses and structural failures, which have raised concerns about public safety and regulatory oversight.

Authorities believe that stronger enforcement mechanisms will help prevent such incidents by ensuring that developers adhere strictly to approved plans, standards, and safety requirements.

Bwire emphasised that the law is not intended to punish developers but to protect lives and property.

“This is about safety,” she said. “We want to ensure that every building constructed meets the required standards and does not pose a risk to occupants or the public.”

The new provisions place greater responsibility on developers, contractors, and property owners to comply with building regulations.

Failure to adhere to approved plans or construction standards could now result in stricter penalties, including demolition orders or forced evacuation.

Industry players are expected to work more closely with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance at every stage of construction—from design and approval to execution and inspection.

The reforms are also seen as part of broader efforts to promote orderly urban development and improve planning standards across Uganda’s growing towns and cities.

With urban populations expanding rapidly, authorities have faced mounting pressure to ensure that infrastructure development is both safe and sustainable.

Bwire said the amendments will enhance coordination between regulatory bodies and local governments, improving oversight and accountability in the sector.