Engineers under the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers have called for stronger regulatory frameworks as the Ministry of Works and Transport and Parliament move to fast-track the law regulating Uganda’s construction industry.
According to Eng. Peterson Mwesigwa, President of Engineers in Uganda, the proposed law will address local content concerns for engineering professionals and streamline accountability and standards in construction.
He was speaking at the grand launch of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers Voice, a monthly public dialogue platform meant to spotlight UIPE’s work to members and the public.
‘Our first intention therefore under the UIPE Voice, is a direct legislative call and will be making a formal urgent appeal to the ministry of works and transport, and Parliament to fast track the law relating to the regulation of Uganda’s construction industry,’ he said.
‘We need a law that will address local content concerns of Uganda’s engineering professionals and streamline accountability and standards in the construction industry and business,’ he added.
The UIPE Voice will also provide a forum for discussion of key engineering issues that shape Uganda’s development, innovation, sustainability and national priorities. The launch introduced the vision of using the platform to explore collaboration between engineers and the media in promoting informed public discourse.
Speaking at the Kampala launch on June 25, Minister in charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Eng. Hillary Onek acknowledged concerns on modernizing the engineering regulatory framework.
‘I have taken note of UIPE concern regarding modernization of the engineering regulatory framework and to the need to strengthen professional accountability,’ he said.
He urged engineers to prioritize ethics over money: ‘Some of the engineers have adored and honoured money more than their profession, asking them to have a second thought to it to stand out as a pillar and have respect in the society.’ He said government values UIPE as a strategic partner in delivering safe, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
UIPE was formed in 1972 to bring the engineering fraternity together to share ideas and promote the profession. It now embraces engineers, technologists and technicians from college through senior practice, helping them build careers and advocate with government, education and private enterprise.
Membership grants professional recognition and links engineers with peers in Uganda and beyond. UIPE has over 7,466 members: 2,433 students, 3,097 graduates, 1,564 corporate members, 111 technologists, 215 technicians, and 39 fellows.