In a detailed directive, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated the urgent need for Uganda to strengthen its infrastructure against seismic risks.

Referencing historical earthquakes and global examples, the President stressed proactive measures to prevent the kind of devastation seen in recent international disasters.

The statement, originally issued as Executive Order No. 1 of 2023 on April 9, 2023, draws on scientific warnings dating back to a 1997 conference in Kampala.

American Professor Shah highlighted Uganda’s vulnerability due to three major fault lines: along the River Aswa, River Katonga, and the Rift Valley.

Museveni noted that this information was immediately communicated to relevant government bodies, particularly the Ministry of Works, for integration into building standards.

Historical context in the order includes the 1994 Kisomoro earthquake in the Rwenzori region (magnitude 6.2) and an earlier 1966 event that damaged the Tooro King’s Palace. Notably, the Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal — deliberately engineered to withstand up to magnitude 9 — remained intact during the 1994 quake, while surrounding structures suffered damage.

Museveni contrasts this with Japan’s evolution in earthquake-resistant construction, which has drastically reduced fatalities since the 1950s, though challenges like the Fukushima disaster persist.

The President expressed concern over perceived laxity in implementing NRM government policies on this issue. He referenced a 2016 letter to the Prime Minister following the Katonga Valley earthquake that affected Kyotera and parts of Tanzania.

Key Directives Issued:

1. Comprehensive Building Audit: Civil engineers from the Ministries of Works and Housing, Lands, Local Government, KCCA, and other local authorities must audit all permanent buildings within two years, prioritizing high-rise structures (starting with G+1 and above).
2. National Standards Development: Engineers, in collaboration with public universities and international experts (including from Japan), have 12 months to recommend minimum earthquake-resistant standards for different building types. The benchmark under consideration is resilience up to magnitude 9 on the Richter Scale.
3. Mandatory Compliance: One year after standards are finalized, no new permanent buildings may be constructed without full compliance.
4. Retrofitting Assessment: Plans will be developed for addressing existing non-compliant buildings, especially multi-story ones.

Museveni also reflected on traditional African huts, acknowledging their relative safety in earthquakes due to lighter materials, and suggested modernizing beneficial architectural principles with contemporary materials. He emphasized that Uganda must avoid tragedies like the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes, which claimed over 50,000 lives and displaced millions.

The order underscores a blend of historical awareness, scientific input, and forward-looking governance. By prioritizing seismic safety, the government aims to protect lives, property, and development gains in a seismically active region.As Uganda continues its infrastructure push, this renewed focus on earthquake preparedness could set a regional benchmark for resilience — provided the directives translate into swift, effective action on the ground.