KAMPALA — The National Building Review Board (NBRB) has announced major reforms under the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2026, aimed at strengthening enforcement of construction standards, improving governance, and reducing unsafe and illegal developments across Uganda.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Executive Secretary of the NBRB, Eng. Flavia G. Bwire said the amendments that came into effect on 19 March 2026 are designed to address long-standing challenges in the construction sector, including building collapses, weak compliance, and unregulated developments that have resulted in loss of life and property.
“The 2026 Building Control Amendment Act brings major reforms to strengthen building standards enforcement,” Eng. Bwire said.
She noted that the reforms are intended to enhance accountability and ensure safer urban and rural construction practices.
According to Eng. Bwire, one of the key changes is the restructuring of governance at the National Building Review Board, which has been streamlined to improve efficiency.
“The amendments streamline governance at the National Building Review Board by reducing its membership from 16 to 9, thereby improving efficiency and corporate governance,” she explained.
The law also expands the Board’s mandate, allowing it to handle a wider range of complaints related to building works beyond disputes strictly linked to permit approvals.
Eng. Bwire said this will strengthen oversight in the sector and improve response to safety concerns. “The Board now has stronger enforcement powers, including the authority to issue stop or evacuation orders where safety is compromised, and local Building Committees fail to implement recommendations,” she said.
At the local government level, Building Committees have also been restructured to enhance technical oversight and accountability. “Building Committees have been restructured to become leaner and more technical, with membership reduced from 11 to 5 professionals to enhance efficiency, accountability, and technical oversight,” Eng. Bwire noted.
The amended law also introduces clearer timelines for building permit administration, including strict requirements on documentation and permit renewals.
Eng. Bwire said the changes are intended to reduce delays and improve compliance among developers. “The law now provides greater certainty in building permit administration by setting a 12-month window for applicants to submit deferred documentation and requiring permit holders to apply for extensions at least 30 days before expiry,” she said.
The reforms also introduce tougher penalties for violations, including construction without permits, use of prohibited methods, and negligence that results in accidents.
Eng. Bwire said the penalties are meant to deter non-compliance and promote safer construction practices nationwide.
“The increased penalties for offences such as building without a permit, using prohibited methods, and negligence causing accidents are intended to serve as a stronger deterrent and promote safe, planned, and decent structures across Uganda,” she said.
Under the new penalties framework, building without a permit now attracts two currency points per square metre of built-up area or up to five years’ imprisonment. Construction after permit expiry attracts two currency points per square metre, while use of prohibited construction methods attracts five currency points per square metre.
The NBRB said the reforms mark a significant step toward improving safety, professionalism, and accountability in Uganda’s rapidly growing construction sector.