CORNERED! Mystique Design Studio Boss Batul Tinwala Sabunwala, Husband Arrested, Remanded to Luzira Over Illegal Construction, Lack of Architecture License
Batul Tinwala Sabunwala (R) and hubby Hakimudoin Sabunwala have been charged for illegal construction and as well for practicing Architecture without a valid license
KAMPALA — The boss of Mystique Design Studio, Batul Tinwala Sabunwala, and her husband, Hakimudoin Sabunwala, have been arraigned before Nakawa Magistrates Court and charged over alleged illegal building operations and deviations from approved construction plans.
The couple appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Sabula Nambwozo to answer charges relating to construction activities at a storeyed building on Plot 63, Katalima Road, Naguru, Kampala.
The prosecution alleges that the two conducted building operations without a valid building permit and deviated from an approved building plan without obtaining the required authorisation.
The charges have put the spotlight on compliance with Uganda’s building regulations and the importance of ensuring that construction projects meet approved standards.
According to State Attorney Mahatima Odongo, who led the prosecution, Batul, 36, and Hakimudoin, 43, are residents of Bukasa, Muyenga, in Makindye Division, Kampala.
Prosecution alleges that between 2024 and 2025, the accused intentionally constructed a storeyed building at the Naguru property without a valid building permit.
Odongo further told court that, during the same period, the two allegedly undertook construction works through their company, Mystique Developers Limited, and unlawfully deviated from the approved building plan without clearance from the relevant Building Committee.
The accused denied the charges when they took plea before the magistrate.
They face charges under Section 33(1) and (2) of the Building Control Act, Cap 126, relating to building operations without a permit, as well as Regulation 42(1)(b) of the Building Control Regulations, 2020, concerning deviations from approved plans.
ARB SOUNDS WARNING
The court case comes amid a public warning by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) over the unauthorised practice of architecture.
In a public notice published in New Vision on October 1, 2026, the board identified Batul Tinwala Sabunwala as a person allegedly holding herself out as a registered architect despite not being licensed and authorised to practise architecture in Uganda.
The board reminded the public that, under the Architects Registration Act, only individuals duly registered and licensed by the ARB are authorised to practise architecture or offer architectural services in the country.
“Members of the public are advised to verify the registration status of persons claiming to be architects with the Architects Registration Board before engaging them for Architectural work,” the board stated in the notice.
The warning highlights the importance of checking professional credentials before hiring individuals to design buildings or provide architectural services.
BUILDING SAFETY IN SPOTLIGHT
The allegations have also renewed attention on building safety and regulatory oversight in Kampala, where construction projects must comply with approved plans and permit requirements.
Building permits and professional licensing are intended to help ensure that construction work is carried out within the applicable legal and technical standards.
Engaging unlicensed professionals or proceeding with construction outside approved plans can expose property owners to legal, financial and safety risks.
The case involving the Sabunwalas will now proceed through the courts, where the prosecution will be required to prove the allegations against them.
The accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.
Members of the public planning construction projects are encouraged to verify the licensing status of architects and ensure that the necessary permits and approvals are in place before work begins.
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