The amendments, which took effect on March 19 following presidential assent, introduce sweeping changes to how building standards are enforced across the country, targeting illegal developments, weak supervision, and non-compliance with safety regulations.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, NBRB Executive Secretary Flavia Bwire said the reforms are designed to restore order and accountability in a sector that has seen rapid growth but persistent safety failures.
“These reforms are intended to promote safety, order, and accountability in Uganda’s building sector,” Bwire said, urging developers and the public to comply with approved standards.
Under the new law, the NBRB has been granted broader powers to enforce compliance, including issuing stop or evacuation orders for unsafe buildings and entering construction sites to ensure adherence to regulations.
Local Building Committees have also been empowered to demolish or evacuate structures built in violation of the law—marking a shift from previous provisions where enforcement was limited.
The amendments significantly increase penalties for offences such as building without permits, using prohibited construction methods, or continuing works after permit expiry.
Offenders now face fines calculated per square metre of a building or prison sentences of up to five years. In cases of negligence leading to accidents, penalties rise to fines of up to Shs10 million or imprisonment of up to 12 years.
Officials say the tougher penalties are meant to deter widespread non-compliance that has contributed to building failures.
The law makes it compulsory for all construction to comply with the National Building Code, a move authorities say will standardize practices and improve safety outcomes.
The amendments also restructure oversight bodies to improve efficiency. The NBRB board has been reduced from 16 to nine members, while Building Committees at local government level have been cut to five technical experts.
Committees are now required to report quarterly to the Board, strengthening monitoring and supervision of building activities nationwide.
New timelines have been introduced for building permits, requiring developers to begin construction within 12 months and complete projects within five years unless an extension is granted.
Applications deferred due to missing documents must be completed within 12 months or expire automatically.
While tightening controls, the law also allows approval of new construction technologies and materials, provided they are assessed and certified by authorities.
The NBRB said regulations to operationalize the law—including procedures for demolition, approval of new technologies, and enforcement mechanisms—will be developed next, alongside revisions to the National Building Code.
Bwire emphasized that compliance will be critical going forward.
“All developers, contractors, professionals, and the general public are urged to comply with the law and adhere to approved building standards and procedures,” she said.
The Board says the reforms are part of broader efforts to ensure safer, planned, and sustainable buildings amid Uganda’s fast-growing construction sector.