Written By |
Minister of State for Works, Musa Ecweru
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The Ugandan government has introduced the Engineering Professionals Bill, 2024, aiming to tighten regulations and enforce a Code of Conduct for engineers and technologists across the country. The proposed law introduces significant penalties, including a two-year jail term, a fine of up to Shs1 million, or both, for individuals who falsely present themselves as engineers or technologists or practice without a valid license.
The Minister of State for Works, Musa Ecweru, defended the bill, emphasizing the limitations of the existing Engineers Registration Act Cap. 271. "The current Act regulates only engineers and lacks provisions for other engineering professionals, such as technologists and technicians," Ecweru noted. He further explained that the existing law provides for registration but fails to include licensing requirements or a code of ethics for these professionals.
"The Act does not offer any mechanism to investigate and address the conduct of engineering professionals who violate ethical standards. Therefore, this bill seeks to extend regulation to technologists and engineers who fall outside the current scope, introduce licensing for all engineering professionals, and establish a code of ethics and an inquiry process for those who breach it," the Minister added, highlighting the critical need for this new legislation.
The bill outlines several offenses and penalties under Clause 44. These include prohibiting individuals from fraudulently making false entries in the professional register or procuring false registration. Those found guilty of these offenses could face fines up to Shs1 million or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
The proposed penalties would also apply to individuals who meet the qualifications for registration but fail or neglect to register, those who practice without a valid annual license, and anyone who knowingly provides false or misleading information to gain advantages under the Act.
Additionally, Clause 44(2) of the bill extends liability to corporate bodies. If a corporate entity commits an offense, its directors or officers may be charged and, upon conviction, held personally accountable unless they can prove they were unaware of the offense or had exercised due diligence to prevent it.
This bill represents a significant step towards enhancing accountability and professionalism within Uganda's engineering sector, addressing gaps in the current regulatory framework, and ensuring that all engineering professionals adhere to a strict code of ethics. If passed, it will mark a new era of stringent oversight and discipline in the industry.
