New Building Control Amendment Bill Proposes Jail for Illegal Builders
The State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama,tabled the Building Control Amendment Bill, 2025 before Parliament. The proposed legislation seeks to streamline building control processes and enhance safety within the construction sector.
A key highlight of the bill is the proposed increase in penalties for individuals who undertake construction without a valid building permit issued by a building committee. The current penalty—a fine of one million shillings or imprisonment for up to two years—will be replaced by a fine of 20,000 shillings per square meter of unauthorized construction, imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both.
If passed, the amendments will introduce express penalties for specific offences, as may be prescribed by the Minister of Works and Transport through regulations. Additionally, building committees will be granted powers to demolish or order the evacuation of structures erected in violation of the law.
Since its establishment in 2018, the NBRB has worked to regulate the built environment by forming building committees in urban and local authorities, conducting investigations and compliance audits, and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders.
The Board has also developed the Building Industry Management System (BIMS), which automates building control processes. Through BIMS, developers can apply for building and occupation permits, engage registered professionals, schedule routine inspections, and pay building control fees—all online.
Despite these initiatives, the sector continues to face challenges such as building collapses and fire outbreaks, often resulting in loss of life and property. These incidents have been attributed to inadequate monitoring, poor inspection, and legal loopholes.
The proposed amendments aim to address these gaps. Under the new law, building committees will be established in every district local government and urban council, with authority to order demolition or evacuation of structures built illegally.
“The Building Committee shall have the power to demolish or order the evacuation of buildings constructed in contravention of this Act and the conditions prescribed by the minister by regulations,” the Bill states.
These committees will also oversee the approval of building permit applications, under the supervision of the district Chief Administrative Officer.
Furthermore, the bill seeks to enhance the powers of the National Building Review Board, enabling it to enforce plan approvals, ensure quality assurance, and conduct inspections. The Board will also be empowered to issue stop or evacuation orders if building committees fail to act on its safety recommendations.
The amended law will also accommodate the use of unconventional building methods, technologies, and materials.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa referred the Bill to the Committee on Physical Infrastructure for scrutiny before it proceeds to the second reading in Parliament.
