KAMPALA: The Uganda Physical Planners Institute (UIPP) has proposed a fine of 100 currency points, an equivalent of Shs2 million for persons who purport or falsely pretend to be physical planners.
The institute’s president, Grace Tibutwa, revealed to the Committee on Physical Infrastructure that the earlier proposed 48 currency points, an equivalent of Shs900,000 was too light and not punitive enough to deter imposters.
“Persons who falsely pretend to be physical planners or qualified and registered physical planners need a punishment that will deter as well as discourage continued wrongdoing of a similar nature,” she said.
Tibutwa who led a team from UIPP, was presenting the institute’s views on the Physical Planners’ Registration Bill, 2021 on February 9, 2022, at Parliament.
The bill states that a person who falsely pretends to be a physical planner commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding 48 currency points or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.
Tibutwa, however, said that there is need for stringent measures to protect the profession which currently has only 320 registered physical planners. “The higher the currency points, the better for the protection of the profession,” she said.
She also proposed that the new law should establish the institute through an Act of Parliament.
“The institute needs to be entrenched into the Physical Planning Registration Board. It is critical and of great importance, if it is to perform the assigned tasks within a legal framework. This inclusion will accord the desired legal status,” Tibutwa said.
She further justified that other allied professional bodies in the sector, including the Society of Architects, have a separate law that legally establishes their existence.
“Embedding the Uganda Institute of Physical Planners in the Planning Registration Board will effectively address the situation of another Act of Parliament to establish the institute,” said Tibutwa.
Hon. Sarah Opendi (Indep. Tororo district) advised the institute to propose higher currency points for those who falsely pretend as physical planners, saying that Shs2 million is not sufficient.
“There are very many masqueraders who have approved plans worth more than Shs2 million and you want them to be fined only Shs2 million. This is not deterrent enough,” Opendi said.
The object of the Physical Planners’ Bill is to provide for the establishment of a Physical Planners’ Registration Board, its powers and functions. The bill further provides for the registration of physical planners and disciplinary procedures for errant physical planners.
The bill is among several others saved from the 10th Parliament.