Engineers must uphold accountability and stewardship, says Archbishop Kaziimba
Kaziimba urged professionals to reflect deeply on the moral responsibility tied to their work.
Bishop Kaziimba Mugalu receives a package from the minister during the breakfast meeting at Hotel African, on their left is the Vice President of UIPE. (Courtesy)
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Engineers have been challenged to treat their profession as a divine calling and uphold integrity as a non-negotiable standard to impact human life and national progress.
“God is the designer of this world,” said Dr Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
"Engineers are doing God’s work when they build roads and structures that serve people.”
Speaking at the National Engineers Prayer Breakfast in Kampala mid-this week, Kaziimba urged professionals to reflect deeply on the moral responsibility tied to their work.
“When buildings collapse, it is about integrity. Engineers must uphold accountability and stewardship in everything they do.”
The event was organised by the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE).
The archbishop called for a balance between technical competence and ethical conduct among engineers.
“They should put into practice what they learn from the classroom for the development of the nation, transformation of lives, and wealth creation."
Echoing the Archbishop’s call, Tusu Tusubira, the patron of UIPE warned that knowledge without integrity poses a danger to society.
“We have many people with knowledge, but very poor character. Knowledge without values can destroy lives and ruin a country," he said.
Tusubira challenged engineers to shift their focus from personal gain to the public good.
“If my concern is how much I will get from a project, I may compromise quality. But if I think about the people who will use it, then I serve society.”
Engineers, including young professionals, pose for a group photo. (Courtesy)
Public involvement
Wilfred Okello, the vice-president of UIPE, acknowledged the growing public concern over engineers, noting that integrity lapses have led to serious consequences.
“When engineers do not practise with integrity and follow standards, we see disasters. Buildings collapse, and resources are lost.
Wednesday's prayer breakfast was organised to allow engineers to reflect on their ethical responsibilities and recommit to professional standards.
While regulatory frameworks such as the Engineers Registration Act and oversight bodies exist, enforcement is said to remain inconsistent, particularly among practitioners operating outside professional structures.
Okello said that approximately 8,000 engineers are currently registered, with a target of surpassing 10,000 by the end of April. He urged both engineers and the public to play a role in improving accountability.
“The public should ask engineers for their practising licences and stamps. These are proof that someone is qualified and authorised to work.”
He also highlighted gaps in accountability, particularly among unregistered practitioners operating outside regulatory frameworks.
Meanwhile, works and transport minister Gen. Katumba Wamala reaffirmed the government's support for stricter regulation of the engineering sector, emphasising the importance of registration and adherence to standards.
“All engineers executing government work must be registered,” he said, adding that this would enhance both accountability and global competitiveness.