NBRB-GEM SERENE PROJECT

A partnership between the National Building Review Board and the Global Earthquake Model Foundation

What is the SERENE Project?

The SERENE Project stands for Seismic Evidence for Risk Engineering Norms and Education.

It’s a strategic, public-private partnership between the National Building Review Board (NBRB) and the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation, a globally recognised authority on seismic hazard and risk modelling.

This multi-year program brings together world-class seismic risk models, technical mentorship, and national policy frameworks to strengthen Uganda’s ability to withstand earthquake-related disasters.

This initiative is all about protecting lives, homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure across Uganda by applying world-class science and data to strengthen how we plan, build, and regulate our cities.

Why was the SERENE Project created?

Uganda has already witnessed the devastating impact of seismic events:

1966 Toro Earthquake: 160 dead, 13,000 injured, 7,000+ homes destroyed.
1994 Kisomoro earthquake: caused loss of life and economic losses estimated at USD 60 million.
2010 Bududa landslide: devastated entire communities, with hundreds of lives lost
2016 Bukoba Earthquake: Felt in Uganda with significant regional impact.

Uganda’s urban growth, poor enforcement of building codes, and lack of seismic data made a strong case for action.

Recognizing this, His Excellency the President of Uganda, issued multiple directives for earthquake-resistant construction, retrofitting assessments, and code enforcement.

The SERENE Project is Uganda’s official response: a long-term commitment to using science, data, and collaboration to protect citizens, property, and public infrastructure.

Why the SERENE Project matters to every Ugandan

Uganda sits between two arms of the East African Rift System, making earthquakes a real and present threat.

As cities grow and more people move into multi-storey buildings, the risks increase, especially when buildings are not up to standard.

The SERENE Project directly responds to Presidential directives demanding earthquake-resilient construction, regular building inspections, and the revision of outdated codes.

By turning these mandates into action, the SERENE Project is building national resilience, not just reacting to disasters.

How the partnership works

NBRB, a statutory body established under the Building Control Act, is mandated to promote and ensure planned, decent and safe building structures that are developed in harmony with the environment in Uganda.

GEM Foundation provides open-source software, seismic hazard models, technical mentorship, and access to global risk modelling platforms like OpenQuake.

Uganda holds a Governor-level seat on GEM’s board, joining an elite global group shaping earthquake safety policy.

This partnership is formalized under a 3-year agreement (2025–2028), making Uganda the first African country to be granted full participation in GEM’s strategic governance without financial contribution.

Goals of the SERENE Project

The SERENE Project addresses seismic risk at every level, from scientific modelling to on-the-ground training. Its key goals include:

Developing Uganda’s first national seismic hazard map
Creating exposure models to assess vulnerable building stock
Updating Uganda’s seismic code (US319:2003), seismic design updates, and disaster planning.
Training engineers, inspectors, and policymakers
Supporting disaster-preparedness and early warning strategies
Enhancing regulations for future construction and retrofitting

All of this aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the National Development Plan (NDP IV), National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, Uganda Seismic Code modernisation process and the Sustainable Development Goals

Key activities of the project

The project is earmarked to kick off in 2026, with several work packages included:

Hazard Mapping: Identifying areas most prone to seismic shocks.
Exposure & Vulnerability Assessment: Surveying Uganda’s building stock and infrastructure.
Engineering & Code Revision: Upgrading construction standards and compliance.
Training & Capacity Building: Equipping professionals with seismic design knowledge.
Stakeholder Engagement: Hosting barazas, conferences, and workshops to raise awareness.

These efforts aim to generate Uganda’s first earthquake economic loss map and update the national risk profile.

Benefits to the General Public

The SERENE Project is designed for the public good. Here’s how communities will benefit:

Safer Homes & Schools: Earthquake-proof construction and affordable retrofitting practices.
Informed Policies: Regulatory reforms that prioritize safety and sustainability.
Increased Preparedness: Early warning systems and public awareness campaigns.
Economic Protection: Reduced damage costs and more informed insurance strategies.
Inclusive Resilience: Special attention to vulnerable populations, including women, schoolchildren, and slum communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this project funded by the government?
A: No direct funding is involved. Uganda provides expert time and in-kind support, while GEM supplies tools, data, and technical mentorship.

Will this affect how buildings are approved?
A: Yes. The SERENE Project will strengthen regulation and help revise Uganda’s seismic code to improve building safety.

What regions benefit the most?
A: High-risk seismic areas like Fort Portal, Bundibugyo, Hoima, and Mbarara will benefit directly from improved data and risk mitigation planning.

Who will be trained through this project?
A: Engineers, building inspectors, urban planners, and policy-makers will receive technical training in seismic modelling and enforcement.