Uganda is set to take a major step toward strengthening compliance in the building sector and safeguarding lives with the launch of a nationwide study on the resilience of the sector to disasters.
The initiative, known as the SERENE Project (Scientific Evidence for Risk Engineering, Norms and Education), will focus on assessing and improving the country’s capacity to withstand natural and man-made hazards.
The study comes at a time when Uganda is experiencing rapid urbanisation, with increased construction across cities, municipalities, town councils, and rural areas.
While this growth reflects economic progress, it also raises concerns about the safety and durability of buildings in the face of disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and fires.
Uganda’s location within the East African Rift System makes it particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. Combined with evolving climate-related risks, the need for stronger, safer, and more resilient infrastructure has become increasingly urgent.
The SERENE Project is a collaborative effort between the National Building Review Board (NBRB) and the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation.
By leveraging global expertise and local regulatory frameworks, the initiative aims to generate scientific data that will guide policy, improve building standards, and support enforcement mechanisms across the country.
The study will involve comprehensive assessments of existing structures to determine their ability to withstand disasters, particularly earthquakes, landslides, floods and fires. It will also identify structural weaknesses and propose both immediate and long-term solutions to enhance safety.
Key expected outcomes of the project include the development of safer building designs, strengthened regulatory frameworks, improved compliance and enforcement, and the training of local professionals in disaster risk management and resilient construction practices.
Ultimately, the initiative seeks to build a culture of safety and preparedness within Uganda’s construction sector.
The project aligns with directives from President Yoweri Museveni, who has consistently called for nationwide inspections of major buildings to assess their structural integrity and resilience.
The official launch of the SERENE Project is scheduled to take place on April 16, 2026, at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
The event will be presided over by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala.