By Wadulo Arnold Mark.
KAMPALA – The Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC) has launched a major national campaign to drive construction innovation and eliminate toxic asbestos roofing sheets from public schools and health facilities across the country.
Announcing the initiative at the Kampala Serena Hotel, UNABSEC President Kiara Binta Nkuranga revealed that Uganda’s construction sector grew by 8.2% in the 2025/2026 financial year, outstripping total national economic growth of 6.4%. Nkuranga emphasized that this growth brings an urgent responsibility to strengthen local supply chains and build resilient infrastructure under the theme, “Harnessing Digitalization and Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Development”.
To fund the intervention, UNABSEC announced the 2026 Contractors and Suppliers Run for Sunday, September 13, serving as a precursor to the 2nd Uganda Construction and Infrastructure Forum and Exhibition (UCIFE) on September 16–17 at the Kampala Serena Hotel. Minister of Works Hon. Fred Byamukama is expected to join as chief runner. Proceeds and material contributions will directly finance the professional removal and replacement of dangerous asbestos sheets.
Nkuranga stressed that asbestos exposure remains a severe public health hazard, noting that cancer continues to devastate communities and recently claimed the life of Omukama King Oyo Nyimba Rukidi IV. “Sustainability is not just about economic or environmental sustainability; we also must ensure that we have an abundant and vibrant workforce for the future,” Nkuranga declared. She added that institutions like Makerere College School are already taking individual steps alongside the UPDF Engineering Brigade to replace their asbestos roofs.
The campaign addresses a pressing national infrastructure crisis. UNABSEC Executive Director Mable Nimwesiga explained that while event proceeds aim to re-roof at least two schools and two health centers immediately, over 25 public institutions have submitted urgent requests. Nkuranga noted that removing asbestos requires specialized handling to avoid airborne toxins, which UNABSEC certified contractors will execute safely.
Major industry leaders have pledged substantial support. Wilson Manishimwe of Uganda Baati highlighted the company’s Safal Uganda Baati Foundation, which provides free medical services through clinics in Kampala’s Industrial Area and Tororo. Stuart Mwesigwa of Roofings Group observed that asbestos originally entered Uganda as aid donations but has turned punitive for congested public facilities. Mwesigwa confirmed that Roofings is supplying non-toxic, aluminum-zinc coated sheets, donating free medical oxygen to hospitals, and distributing free tree seedlings to mitigate climate change. Additionally, representatives from Vcon Construction, ROKO Construction Group, and Mantra Uganda pledged full support to the initiative.
