The Engineers Registration Board (ERB), under the Ugandan government, has announced plans to deport foreign engineers working in the country without proper certification.
This move is part of a broader effort to regulate the engineering profession and ensure compliance with Ugandan laws.
ERB Chairman, Prof. Eng. Henry Alinaitwe Mwanaki, made the announcement during a media briefing at the Board’s headquarters in Kampala.
He emphasized the need for all foreign engineers to be certified by the ERB before obtaining work permits, in line with Section 21 of the Engineers Registration Act (ERA).
“The Engineers Registration Board has engaged with the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration to enforce compliance with Section 21 of the Engineers Registration Act. All foreign engineers working in Uganda must be certified by the ERB before being issued work permits,” Prof. Eng. Mwanaki said. “Following our recent discussions, it was agreed that foreign engineers must register and obtain ERB certification within four months of their arrival. Failure to do so will result in deportation.”
Strengthening Engineering Regulation
The ERB is responsible for registering, supervising, and regulating engineers to ensure only qualified professionals practice in Uganda.
The registration process helps distinguish certified engineers from unregistered practitioners, enforces professional discipline, and enhances the integrity of the profession.
Prof. Eng. Mwanaki highlighted the importance of strict regulation in preventing engineering failures, particularly incidents such as collapsing buildings.
“Local engineers must also ensure their registration with the ERB. Proper oversight and adherence to standards are critical in preventing avoidable disasters,” he stressed.
The ERB is working with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), to create a more favorable environment for local engineers.
The Board has been advocating for increased participation of Ugandan engineers in key national infrastructure projects.
Through its partnership with the PPDA, the ERB is pushing for an expansion of the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, ensuring local engineers take on strategic roles in design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
Engineering Day Celebrations and Regional Integration
As Uganda prepares to mark World Engineering Day, the ERB has lined up a four-day event from March 2 to March 5, 2025, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The event will showcase engineering achievements and discuss the future of the profession in Uganda and beyond.
Meanwhile, efforts to promote regional integration in engineering have gained momentum.
The East African Community (EAC) Partner States have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), allowing registered engineers in one EAC country to offer services across the region.
