Introduction
The Architects
Registration Board is a body set up by an act of Parliament (Architect
Registration Act, 1996) as the independent regulator of architects and the profession
of architecture in Uganda. Anyone
who is involved in designing and constructing buildings, and describes
themselves as an architect, must be registered with us and practice in
accordance with the code of professional ethics contained in the second
schedule of the Act. We can take action if someone wrongly calls themselves an
architect or falls short of the code of professional practice as they practice.
We also work with the National
Council of Higher Education to review and approve all courses of architecture
being offered by tertiary institutions in Uganda. We have a Board of six
members, two of whom (the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson) are appointed by
the Minister. The other four
members are architects who are elected to the Board by their fellow
professionals. The Board is supported by a small staff team of four people
including and headed by the Registrar (who also acts as Chief Executive). These are the 5 most important
questions:
What do we Do?
The functions of
the Board are set out in the act as follows:
·
to regulate and
maintain the standard of architecture in the country;
·
to register
architects;
·
to make byelaws
for better carrying into effect the provisions of this Act;
·
to prescribe or
regulate the conduct of architects in Uganda;
·
to promote
training in architectural sciences.
In order to fulfill
those functions, we carry out the following activities
·
keep an up-to-date
register of architects (published in a national newspaper every year).
·
work with
National Council of High Education in review and approving architecture
programs offered by tertiary institutions.
·
work with Uganda
Society of Architects to set the standards for professional practice.
·
investigate
complaints about an architect’s conduct or competence;
·
make sure that only
people on our register use the name ‘architect’ and practice as architects.
What is the difference between USA and ARB
We
are often asked what the difference is between us, the Architects Registration
Board (ARB), and the Uganda Society of Architects (USA). Both organizations are connected
with architects, but we have different roles. Among other things, the USA is a private lobby group for
architects that was set up to protect its members, promote architecture and
speak for architects with one voice. It is currently the only professional
association for architects and has the prividledge of being singularly
mentioned in the Act. Architects are encouraged to become members of USA before
registering with the Board. On the
other hand, we are the regulators of architects and the practice of
architecture in Uganda. We are
appointed by the government and report to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and
Urban Development. We keep the Register
of Architects, and anyone who wants to offer their services as an architect
must register with us.
Why Keep a Register
We want anyone
using an architect to be confident that they are working with someone who ahs
the qualifications and experience they claim. Our Practice Committee investigates complaints and misuse of
the title. If there is enough
evidence that a registered architect may not be working within the confines of
the law or that a member of the public is falsely presenting themselves as an
architect, the committee will commit such culprits to the Disciplinary
Committee (in case of a registered architect) or to police (in case of the
latter). Our work in regulating
architects ensures good standards are maintained for the benefit of the public
and architects alike. The committee
handled 12 cases of misconduct last year (2017). Eight decisions have been made
where the architects were found guilty of the offences as charged and they have
been fined. In respect to the other 4 cases, hearing is still on going. By
receiving complaints, investigating and charging architects, we help to
maintain the confidence in the profession. It is important to note here, the Disciplinary Committee, which has the powers of a
magistrate’s court, has jurisdiction over only
registered architects and not members of the public. However, any member of the fraternity or the public
can make a complaint at the registrar’s office and online. Such cases involving
actions by members of the public are referred to the police by the Board or
directly by a complainant because they constitute criminal offences under the
Act.
How is ARB involved in Architecture Education?
The
Committee draws its mandate from two legislations; The Architects
Registration Act, Cap 269 Section 4(e) to promote training in architectural
sciences and The Universities
and other Tertiary Institutions Act 2006 (as amended), which mandates
National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to receive, consider and process
applications for accreditation of the academic and professional programmes in
consultation with the Professional Associations and Regulatory Bodies. In order
to implement this mandate, our Education Committee works with the National
Council of Higher Education to review all applications and conduct school
visits. Through our various
programs, we help students to understand what will be expected of them in their
professional lives. We carry out orientation of the final year students,
monitor interns and conduct professional exams. Not all architecture programs or qualifications are
recognized by the ARB. Students
are advised and encouraged to make sure that their qualifications or programs
are recognized.
Working with an Architect, this is what you need to
do.
Please note, if the
individual is not registered with the ARB, they are not an architect and should
not be using the title ‘Architect’. If you are engaging a company or private
practice, ensure that the person in-charge of that practice or company is a
registered architect. Remember
that the ARB does not handle complaints against people who are not registered with
us. After confirming that the
individual or practice you are dealing with meets the criteria prescribed for
an architect, make sure that you sign a written contract confirming what the
individual or firm will be doing for you, how much it will cost and how long it
will take before they start any work. The Board has failed to investigate or even punish
errant architects in the past due to lack of a written agreement between the
architect and their employer.
Protect your self and make the Board’s work easier to stamp out illegal
practice.
In case of any further information, please contact
us:
1st
Floor Kalamu House, PKF Building (Opposite Mulago Hospital)
P. O. Box 25796,Kampala, Uganda.
Tel: 0414 342 390
P. O. Box 25796,Kampala, Uganda.
Tel: 0414 342 390
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