The engineering fraternity in Uganda convened at the Annual Engineers’ Conference 2026 held at Hotel Africana, where Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, addressed the attendees on professionalism, ethics, and sustainable engineering practices. The conference also marked the launch of a five-year strategic plan and the Engineers’ Registration Board digital licensing system, a move aimed at modernizing the profession and improving regulatory compliance.

Supporting Local Engineers Through Government Contracts

During his speech, Thomas Tayebwa emphasized the importance of supporting local engineering talent. He urged government entities to award contracts to Ugandan engineers, calling for the removal of restrictive clauses in procurement that unfairly limit local professionals from competing.

“Our engineers are crucial to national development. Government should create opportunities that allow them to lead projects in their own country,” Tayebwa said.

Professional Ethics and Accountability

Tayebwa warned against delivering substandard work, particularly in government projects at the district level, stressing that engineers must resist political or external pressure to compromise quality. He emphasized that public trust and professional reputation hinge on adherence to ethical standards.

Balancing AI and Professional Judgment

In an era of rapid technological advancement, Tayebwa cautioned engineers against over-reliance on artificial intelligence. While AI can streamline tasks, human judgment, supervision, and accountability remain critical to successful project implementation.

Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

The conference also highlighted the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure. Tayebwa urged engineers to integrate climate-resilient designs into projects to ensure environmental protection and safeguard communities for future generations.

Engineers’ Registration Board Digital Licensing

A key milestone of the conference was the launch of the digital licensing system by the Engineers’ Registration Board (ERB). The system is designed to streamline licensing, improve transparency, and support the growth of a modern, accountable engineering workforce.