The government has introduced a new Engineers Professional Bill 2024 to replace the outdated Engineers Registration Act of 1969.
The bill, which seeks to regulate the code of conduct for the engineering profession in Uganda, was tabled for the first reading during the inaugural session of the regional sitting in Gulu on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, by Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works.
Minister Ecweru noted that The Engineers Registration Act, Cap. 271, regulates aspects of engineers only and does not provide for the regulation of other engineering professionals, including technologists and technicians.
He added that the bill’s objectives would include the establishment of the Uganda Institution of the Engineering Professionals, defining membership criteria, and creating a governing council.
Additionally, the bill suggests that there will be an engineering professional’s board, outlining its functions and membership criteria.
In clause 44 of the bill, the government has proposed that all engineers must hold and earn their licenses.
Violating this requirement would be considered an offense, punishable by a jail term for 2 years or a fine of Shs1M or both, for anyone who passes off as an engineer or technologist or practices without a valid license.