Residents of Kabuga Town Council in Kamwenge District have been warned against constructing buildings without approved building plans and construction permits from the town council authorities.
The warning was issued by the Kabuga Town Council Town Clerk, Kiiza Benjamin Tibenda, during the swearing-in ceremony of the LCIII Chairperson and newly elected councilors held on Thursday at the council headquarters in Kajurizi.
Benjamin said the town council will not tolerate illegal structures, noting that all residents planning to build must first seek authorization from the authorities before commencing any construction works. He emphasized that failure to comply with the law could lead to the demolition of unapproved structures.
“We are urging all residents to follow the right procedures before constructing any building. Every developer must first present a building plan to the town council for approval and obtain a construction permit,” Benjamin said.
He added that the council is determined to enforce the law in order to promote organized urban development and prevent the emergence of unsafe structures within the town council.
According to Benjamin, proper planning will also help the council improve service delivery and maintain standards in the rapidly growing urban center.
The town clerk’s remarks follow the implementation of the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2026, which came into effect on March 19, 2026. The amended law introduced stricter measures aimed at improving structural safety and curbing illegal developments across the country.
Under the new law, penalties for illegal construction have shifted from fixed fines to tougher scale-based penalties, while district and urban authorities have been granted stronger enforcement powers, including the evacuation and demolition of structures built without approval.
Benjamin cautioned residents against ignoring the law, saying the town council will work closely with enforcement committees to ensure that all buildings meet the required standards.
“This law is intended to protect lives and ensure orderly development. We therefore call upon residents to cooperate with the authorities for the good of the community,” he noted.
The newly sworn-in leaders pledged to work together with the technical team to sensitize residents on the importance of complying with construction regulations as Kabuga Town Council continues to experience rapid growth and urbanization.