Uganda housing gap shifts focus to delivery

What the report says

Uganda’s housing shortage was framed by sector stakeholders as a broader economic and urban development challenge, not one government can solve alone, at the inaugural National Housing Dialogue in Kampala. The meeting, held at Hotel Africana on October 5 and organised by Habitat for Humanity Uganda with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, brought together officials, financiers, developers and other housing actors to discuss how to move from policy to actual delivery.

The Independent Uganda reported that participants cited a national housing deficit of about 2.48 million units, with demand continuing to rise as cities expand. Housing and urban planning were described as central to jobs, investment and resilience for households. Minister Judith Nabakooba said Uganda needs roughly 300,000 new units a year, far above current annual production of about 60,000, and urged cheaper, longer-term mortgage financing as well as housing that remains affordable without sacrificing quality.

Speakers also pressed for better physical planning and more reliable infrastructure, including roads, water, sanitation, electricity, schools and health services. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa of Habitat for Humanity Uganda called for stronger collaboration and better sharing of housing data and innovations, while Richard Hamba of the Uganda National Urban Forum argued that housing should be treated as a growth sector linked to employment and manufacturing.

The discussion also highlighted practical obstacles such as land disputes, weak coordination and limited access to financing. Kenneth Kaijuka of National Housing and Construction Company and Paul Okiring of Habitat for Humanity Uganda both called for improved planning, serviced land, land registration and wider use of savings groups, microfinance and long-term capital, including pension funds, to support delivery.