Government moves to regulate Uganda’s interior design industry

The government is considering new regulations for Uganda’s interior design industry amid concerns over the growing number of untrained players entering the business.

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) told Parliament that the sector needs better coordination and professional standards to protect consumers and improve the quality of Uganda’s built environment.

Mariam Lawino, the chairperson of the Architects Registration Board, raised concerns about some businesses operating as interior design, which are involved in other unrelated aspects.

“The business is not coordinated because you may find a company, for instance, called Nina Interiors, but they are selling chairs, curtains, etc., and it becomes a problem,” Lawino said.

“That is why we need to regulate them, so that if they want to remain as interior designers, they must have someone who is trained and certified in interior design,” she said.

Lawino made the remarks while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure, where the Architects Registration Board presented issues affecting the construction and urban development sectors.

The board members told MPs that there was a growing need for detailed physical development plans to guide Uganda’s rapid urbanisation and ensure organised growth.

The board called for stronger laws and policies to ensure that qualified professionals handle construction-related work.

Lawino said Uganda already has institutions capable of training and certifying interior designers, and that the board is considering contributing to the relevant curriculum when the Architects Registration Act is amended.

“We have institutions that can certify, and we are now looking at contributing to the relevant curriculum when we amend the Architects Registration Act so that we have a direct involvement to cater for that training and ensure that the right training is being done,” she said.

Interior design has become one of Uganda’s fastest-growing businesses, with many companies gaining popularity through social media platforms such as TikTok.

The growth of the industry has created new opportunities but also raised concerns about professionalism, consumer protection and the need for clear standards.