An assessment of the potential of tropical indigenous wood in Uganda’s construction industry: A case for the selected species
Abstract
This study investigates extent to which indigenous wood and its various derivative forms and
methods of construction have been applied in Uganda‘s construction industry as much as
elsewhere alike.
The research originates from the use of non-sustainable materials like concrete, steel and burnt
brick - whose impact contributes to climate change; apparent high cost of construction as well as
the need for professional expertise to carry out construction works. This however leaves
construction rather complicated, expensive and can only be handled by those that have access to
the resources of ―conventional‖ materials and labour despite the diversity of wood species that
provide potential construction materials since Uganda lies in the tropical region.
With the desire to attain inexpensive sustainable construction techniques, wood/timber appears to
be one of the most suitable products that are again available in plenty in Uganda. The research
finds its origin from the concept of using the locally available indigenous materials and possible
techniques for people to attain their architectural, social and cultural needs.