KAMPALA: The Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC) has launched a national campaign to drive construction innovation in order to eliminate toxic asbestos roofing sheets from public schools and health facilities across the country.
Announcing the initiative in Kampala, 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%.
She 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 slated for September 13th, serving as a precursor to the 2nd Uganda Construction and Infrastructure Forum and Exhibition (UCIFE) happening on September th16–17th 2026 at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
The 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.
King Oyo who died on August 27th in the United States where he had been receiving treatment for cancer, is to be laid to rest today (Saturday September 12) at the Karambi royal tombs in Fort Portal city, an event that marks the end of the official nine days of mourning declared earlier by Tooro Kingdom.
