Foreign or non-resident architects who wish to practice architecture temporarily in Uganda are required to obtain a Temporary Practicing Certificate (TPC) from the Architects Registration Board (ARB). This certificate authorizes an architect to undertake a specific project or assignment for a limited period — typically one year.
The Temporary Practicing Certificate ensures that all foreign professionals meet Uganda’s architectural standards, operate under collaboration with a registered Ugandan architect, and comply with national regulations governing professional practice.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Obtain and Fill the Application Form
Visit the Architects Registration Board (ARB) offices in Kampala and request Application Form TPC after paying an application form fee of UGX 10,000.
You can also request the form by writing to:
The Registrar
Architects Registration Board
P.O. Box 23831, Kampala
The form must be filled in triplicate:
- Original copy: Applicant’s record
- Duplicate: Filed in applicant’s file
- Triplicate: Retained in the application book
Step 2: Attach Required Documents
After filling the form, attach the following documents:
- Completed Application Form TPC
- Proof of payment of UGX 300,000 for processing
- Full name and contact address (permanent and local)
- Date and place of birth
- Academic qualifications (degree, diploma, or license from an accredited university/school of architecture or engineering)
- Employment history, including positions held and responsibilities
- Intended date of arrival (if not already in Uganda)
- Description of work or project to be undertaken in Uganda, including duration
- Architectural capacity in which the applicant will serve (consultant, partner, associate, etc.)
- Collaboration agreement with a registered Ugandan architect
- References from registered architects who can attest to the applicant’s competence and character
- Firm’s bankers’ details
Step 3: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application form and all attachments to the Registrar, Architects Registration Board (ARB) at:
Kalamu House (PKF Building, Opposite Mulago Hospital)
Plot 1B Kiira Road, Kampala, Uganda
P.O. Box 257930
Tel: +256-781 498823 / +256-753 776231
Email: [email protected]
Ensure that you include the payment receipt (UGX 300,000) from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), either scanned or physically delivered.
Step 4: Review and Consideration
Upon receiving your application, the Registrar refers it to a designated public authority or ARB committee for consideration and comments.
The committee assesses:
- The applicant’s professional qualifications and experience
- The nature and scope of the project
- The collaboration arrangements with the Ugandan architect
- The applicant’s character and conduct
Step 5: Processing and Approval
If all requirements are met, the ARB grants a Temporary Practicing Certificate for a specific project.
Processing takes approximately 30 working days, after which the applicant is contacted by email or phone to collect the certificate.
Upon collection, applicants must present valid identification (passport or national ID).
Fees
- Application Form Fee: UGX 10,000
- Processing Fee: UGX 300,000
Payment is made through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and proof of payment must be attached to the application form.
Validity
The Temporary Practicing Certificate is:
- Valid for one year from the date of issue.
- Limited to the specific project(s) for which it was granted.
- Subject to renewal or reapplication for additional projects.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be qualified and registered architects in their home countries.
- Intend to practice temporarily in Uganda for a specific architectural project.
- Operate under a registered Ugandan architect via a collaboration agreement.
- Be of good professional standing with no record of misconduct.
Required Information
Applicants must provide:
- Period for which temporary registration is required.
- Temporary employment or project details.
- Citizenship and passport information (for non-Ugandans).
- Sponsor’s registration number and signature (Ugandan architect collaborator).
Need for the Document
The Temporary Practicing Certificate ensures that foreign architects working in Uganda do so legally and professionally, in line with national architectural standards. It also promotes knowledge transfer through collaboration with local professionals, maintaining quality and safety in Uganda’s built environment.
Information That Might Help
The Architects Registration Board may require additional documentation to verify the applicant’s professional standing. Applicants are encouraged to maintain clear communication with the ARB during the process.
Foreign architects may also be asked to prove membership in a recognized professional body in their country of origin.
