The government has rolled out tough new reforms under the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2026 which took effect on March 19, coming in at a time when illegal structures, poor standards, and deadly building collapses have been causing serious concern across the country.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, National Building Review Board (NBRB) Executive Secretary Eng. Flavia Bwire made it clear that it\u2019s now comply or face consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll developers, contractors, professionals, and the general public are urged to comply with the law,\u201d<\/em> she said.<\/p>\n The amendments give NBRB more power than ever before. The board can now hear any<\/em> complaints related to buildings, not just issues around permits and can even order evacuations or stop construction immediately if safety is at risk.<\/p>\n On top of that, officials can now enter construction sites, enforce rules, and even involve police where necessary.<\/p>\n Building committees have also been trimmed down from 11 to 5 members to improve efficiency, but their powers have been boosted. They can now demolish illegal structures themselves, not just recommend demolition like before.<\/p>\n And for those who like shortcuts? The penalties have been seriously upgraded.<\/p>\n Constructing without a permit could now cost you hefty fines based on the size of your building or up to 5 years in prison. Using banned construction methods or building after a permit expires will also hit harder than before.<\/p>\n The law has also widened liability meaning accidents happening even in completed buildings can now land developers or owners in serious legal trouble.<\/p>\n Negligence penalties have jumped to up to UGX 10 million or 12 years in jail.<\/p>\n The amendment is also opening doors for innovation, allowing developers to apply for approval of new building technologies and materials, instead of outright bans like before.<\/p>\n UPDATE: Eng. Flavia Gutto Bwire, Executive Secretary of the National Building Review Board (NBRB), has announced plans to make occupation permits mandatory for all building owners.<\/p>\n The permit, issued by local authorities after construction, confirms that a building is safe and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/TlaqOA7cAZ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NTV UGANDA (@ntvuganda) April 9, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n