The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, has launched a new initiative aimed at improving the safety and resilience of buildings and infrastructure across Uganda through science-based risk assessment and strengthened construction standards.
The project, dubbed SERENE (Scientific Evidence for Risk Engineering Norms and Education), is being implemented by the National Building Review Board.
The initiative seeks to enhance Uganda’s capacity to anticipate, prevent and respond to disasters affecting the built environment, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas.
Speaking at the launch, Katumba said the project marks a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive, evidence-based planning.
“We are moving from responding to disasters after they happen to anticipating and preventing them using scientific evidence and reliable data,” he said.
He noted that Uganda’s construction sector is expanding rapidly due to urbanisation and increasing demand for housing and infrastructure, but warned that this growth has also heightened exposure to risks such as fires, structural collapse and climate-related disasters.
“Rapid urbanisation and infrastructure growth are increasing both opportunity and risk. We must ensure that development does not outpace safety,” he added.
The SERENE project brings together local institutions and international partners to develop advanced tools for hazard mapping, risk modelling and building exposure analysis to support policy and regulatory decisions.
Officials say the system will enable regulators and engineers to identify structural vulnerabilities early, allowing for timely intervention and improved compliance with safety standards.
Katumba emphasised that the initiative aligns with government directives to strengthen building safety, including comprehensive inspections and stricter enforcement of construction regulations.
“We are implementing clear directives to ensure that all buildings meet required safety standards, including resilience to hazards such as earthquakes and fire,” he said.
He also highlighted the need to update Uganda’s building codes, noting that some standards have remained unchanged for more than two decades despite significant changes in the country’s development landscape.
“The SERENE project will provide the scientific evidence needed to support reforms in our regulatory framework,” he said.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the minister pointed to the often-overlooked psychological impact of disasters, citing survivors of past fire incidents who continue to experience trauma years later.
“Disaster response should not end with rebuilding structures. We must also address the emotional and psychological recovery of survivors,” he noted.
He referenced past tragedies in schools and communities as a reminder of the urgent need for improved safety systems and increased public awareness.
Katumba further urged Ugandans to prioritise safety in their daily environments, particularly in workplaces.
“We must all become safety-conscious. How many workplaces conduct evacuation drills or ensure fire equipment is functional?” he asked.
The SERENE project is expected to build national capacity by equipping engineers, planners, regulators and local governments with modern, data-driven tools for decision-making.
Officials say the initiative will contribute to Uganda’s long-term development goals, including Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan, by ensuring that infrastructure growth is matched with safety and resilience.
