Uganda Building Safety Concerns Raised Following Seismic Hazard Assessment

A seismic hazard assessment in Uganda identified Bunyoro, Toro, and Hoima as high-risk areas. Preliminary findings by the National Building Review Board show that only about 10% of more than 30,000 buildings screened across Uganda were found safe, while more than half require strengthening. The assessment noted significant structural weaknesses, including unsupported gables and poor-quality construction materials, across the country.

The findings raise concerns about the safety of Uganda’s building stock, particularly given the country's location along the East African Rift System. The National Building Review Board cautioned that the screening exercise is still ongoing and the findings are preliminary.