MP Racheal Magoola (L), Jacqueline Namayaja, USA President (C) and USA General Secretary Catherine Muyinda addressing journalists at the Bible Building, along Bombo Road, in Kampala. Photo by Ochola Odonga Dominic
The Uganda Society of Architects (USA) has unveiled a pioneering initiative to provide affordable, pre-approved building designs for low-income Ugandans, ensuring safe, professional, and cost-effective construction.
USA President Arch. Jacquiline Namayanja says that the plan draws inspiration from Zambia’s low-cost housing model, aiming to make quality architecture accessible to all.
“We’re delivering safe, affordable, and professionally designed plans that comply with Uganda’s regulations,” Namayanja told reporters at the Society’s Kampala office. The initiative tackles persistent challenges in Uganda’s construction sector, where unqualified practitioners contribute to unsafe structures and tragic collapses.
USA Secretary Arch. Catherine Muyinda highlighted public reluctance to engage professionals as a key issue. “Many view buildings as merely drawing lines, resulting in substandard structures. Countries like Dubai have transformed their skylines by valuing design. Uganda can achieve similar progress by embracing professional creativity,” she said. The Society condemned unqualified draftsmen posing as architects, urging citizens to adopt the new plans to avoid unsafe services.
The announcement sets the stage for a joint symposium with the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Creative Industries (UGAPAFOCI) on September 11, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
Themed “Sustainable Architecture and the Creative Economy: Driving Uganda’s GDP Through Design, Film, Music, Fashion, Digital Media, and Cultural Heritage,” the event will underscore creativity’s role in economic growth, with the creative sector contributing 4.1% to Uganda’s GDP (UGX 184,895 billion) in FY 2022/23, up from 2.2% the previous year.
The symposium will unite architects, urban planners, policymakers, creatives, investors, and construction ecosystem partners, including Steel & Tube Industries, Kansai Plascon Uganda, Casements, and Shibaam. These industry leaders will showcase products like eco-friendly Archi-Texture paints and premium aluminum solutions, fostering synergies to combat counterfeit goods and enhance building markets.
Discussions will explore sustainable cities, creative industry financing, heritage conservation, and digital innovation, featuring the Uganda Museum Project, panel sessions, B2B networking, and sponsor showcases.
Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Creative Industries Chairperson and Bugweri District Woman MP Racheal Magoola emphasized the creative economy’s impact. “From music to design, creatives drive jobs, innovation, and cultural identity, unlocking opportunities in tourism and sustainable growth,” she said.
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