KAMPALA — April 13, 2026 — Paulson Luttamaguzi Ssemakula has called on Parliament to urgently amend and re-debate the Building Control Act, arguing that the current law is out of touch with local realities and undermines development.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Luttamaguzi criticized the legislation as “too foreign,” saying it fails to reflect Uganda’s socio-economic conditions and does not adequately protect ordinary citizens engaged in construction and real estate.
“The Building Control Act should be amended and re-debated urgently by Parliament. It is too foreign and doesn’t protect Ugandans. The Act is too political and anti-development,” he said.
Background on the Law
Uganda’s Building Control Act was passed by Parliament in 2013 and assented to by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on October 2, 2013, before being published in the Uganda Gazette days later. However, the law only became operational on April 2, 2018, following a delayed commencement process.
The Act was introduced to regulate the construction sector, improve safety standards, and ensure buildings meet acceptable engineering and environmental requirements.
It also established the Building Control Board to oversee enforcement nationwide. Key provisions include mandatory approval of building plans, the requirement to use qualified professionals such as architects and engineers, routine inspections during construction, and certification of buildings before occupancy.
Authorities are further empowered to halt or demolish structures that do not comply with approved standards.
While the law was widely seen as a step toward curbing building collapses and improving urban planning—especially in fast-growing areas like Kampala—critics say it has also increased construction costs and placed heavy compliance burdens on small-scale developers.
Luttamaguzi warned that the law, in its current form, risks stifling growth in the construction sector by imposing standards that many local builders struggle to meet.
He further argued that political interests have overshadowed practical considerations, creating a regulatory environment that discourages innovation and slows infrastructure expansion.
The legislator is now urging Parliament to consult widely with stakeholders—including engineers, architects, and local builders—to revise the law in a way that balances safety with economic growth and local realities.
His remarks are expected to reignite debate within Parliament over whether the Building Control Act strikes the right balance between regulation and development.
