KAMPALA – The Deputy Chief Justice, Richard Buteera, swore in the 12th Architects Registration Board members in a ceremony that took place at the Judiciary headquarters in Kampala.
The six Board members that took the official oath and oath of secrecy on Thursday were: Henry Robert Kiggundu (chairperson); Miriam Lawino (vice-chairperson); and members: Jacinta Kabarungi Bishanga, Mbabazi Mwinganisa, Steven Sendi Kajumba and Abdu Wahab Nyanzi.
The Board is mandated to register architects and regulate their conduct and bring to effect the provisions of the Architects Act.
Justice Buteera used the occasion to remind the officials to ensure quality assurance in the construction sector.
“Your appointment comes at a time when seven new cities have been created, yet we have had unfortunate incidents of collapsed buildings that have caused death and fatal injuries to the human workforce and resulting in substantial economic losses in terms of construction materials,” he said.
He added that as they perform their duties, they should perform their oversight role, which will improve service delivery and, in turn, enrich the national strategy for sustainable development.
The Minister of State for Housing, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, also reminded the new Board that their appointment was in line with their Act.
“Execute your work with integrity, honesty, faithfulness, competence, professionalism and a high level of ethical conduct so that the architectural profession can remain with its respect,” said Dr Baryomunsi, adding that the architects need to be well-coordinated and supervised.
Mr Kiggundu, the new Board Chairperson, appreciated the work done by the outgoing Board. He pledged to work for the Board’s best. “The board majorly operates in greater Kampala because of lack of transport, yet architectural problems go far beyond the city centre. It would be good if we had zonal offices or at least get a vehicle to move around the country,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Ms Dorcas W. Okalany, Registrar High Court, Emokor Samuel, Judiciary PRO, Jamson Karemani and members of the outgoing Architects Board were present.
