Uganda turns to developers and banks to close 2.48 million-unit housing gap
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Uganda's government is courting property developers, banks and investors to help close a housing deficit of about 2.48 million units, ahead of the second Uganda Real Estate and Housing Expo on September 25-26.
Uganda's government has turned to property developers, banks, investors and other private-sector players for help in tackling the country's housing crisis, with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development putting the deficit at about 2.48 million housing units. The ministry says traditional construction methods alone will not be enough to close the gap, as high construction costs, expensive financing and rapid urbanisation continue to pressure the sector.
The call was made by Minister of State for Housing Princess Persis Namuganza ahead of the second Uganda Real Estate and Housing Expo (UREHE) 2026, scheduled for September 25 and 26 at Kingdom Kampala Gardens. The expo is being organised in partnership with Douglas Events Ltd and the Uganda Society of Architects and will bring together developers, investors, financial institutions, government agencies and architects, under the theme "Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Housing."
"The housing deficit stands at 2.48 million units, a gap that cannot be closed through conventional construction approaches alone," Namuganza said, adding that the expo will give stakeholders an opportunity to showcase cheaper and faster construction technologies, innovative designs and alternative financing models. The theme also addresses growing climate-related threats to urban settlements, including flooding, poor drainage and heat stress, and the minister urged developers to embrace climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable construction.
The ministry said stronger collaboration between government, developers and financiers will be critical to expanding access to decent and affordable housing. It pointed to the National Housing Policy 2016, the National Urban Policy 2017, the Condominium Property Act 2001, the Physical Planning Act 2010 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 2022 among measures introduced to strengthen the sector, along with model rules for residential condominiums, energy-efficiency guidelines for buildings and 23 ministerial zonal offices that bring land, valuation and physical-planning services closer to the public.
Members of the public attending the expo will be able to access free land-title searches at the ministry's exhibition stall. Confirmed sponsors include MTN Uganda, 88 Residency Kenya, Steel and Tube Industries and Regal Paints Uganda. The ministry is also implementing the National Physical Development Plan IV to guide spatial development and human settlements, and says implementation of the Uganda Cities and Municipal Infrastructure Development Programme is expected to commence soon.