Uganda Boosts Earthquake Preparedness: 5,000+ Buildings Assessed in Kampala

Uganda is taking significant steps to bolster its defenses against potential earthquake disasters, focusing initially on the capital city, Kampala. The National Building Review Board (NBRB) has reported that the first phase of a nationwide seismic vulnerability assessment has evaluated more than 5,000 buildings.

This critical assessment examines structures for their compliance with building safety requirements and their susceptibility to seismic activity. The NBRB stated that this effort is part of a larger government strategy to improve disaster preparedness and regulatory adherence. The ultimate goal is to identify buildings that may need further scrutiny, reinforcement, or retrofitting to withstand seismic events.

This heightened focus on building safety and disaster resilience stems from President Yoweri Museveni’s Executive Order No. 1 of 2023. The order mandates a robust national response to earthquake threats, reflecting growing concerns about the vulnerability of infrastructure to various natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, and fires. Reports of building collapses in the past have underscored the urgency of such measures.

Officials have indicated that the ambitious assessment program aims to eventually cover over 800,000 buildings across the country. This comprehensive approach signifies a proactive shift in Uganda’s disaster management strategy, prioritizing the safety and security of its citizens and infrastructure in the face of geological risks.

This article is based on information from the Daily Monitor.