Govt outlines priorities for strengthening Uganda's construction value chain
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has outlined Government plans to strengthen Uganda’s construction sector through simpler building approvals, stronger local contractors, affordable financing, investment in infrastructure and reforms to improve accountability and reduce construction costs.
Minister Musasizi (centre) poses for a group photo with other stakeholders during the forum in Kampala. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
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The minister of finance has outlined the Government's priorities for strengthening Uganda's construction value chain, focusing on simplifying building approvals, stronger local contractors, affordable long-term financing and improved accountability in public investment.
The minister was speaking at the 3rd Doing Business Forum at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, under the theme “Unlocking Uganda's Tenfold Growth through the Construction Value Chain: Regulatory Reform, Local Capacity and Infrastructure Investment”
Musasizi said the Government will work with local governments to improve physical planning, simplify building approvals and uphold construction standards.
He added that developers should know the requirements, costs and timelines for obtaining approvals to make it easier to build safely and predictably.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
The minister explained that the Government and the private sector will support Ugandan contractors to develop the skills, equipment and management capacity needed to deliver quality work.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi (c), Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the treasury MoFPED (right) during the event. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
Musasizi also called for support towards innovations that make locally produced building materials more competitive to reduce construction costs. The objective is to enable more Ugandan firms and workers to participate competitively in the construction value chain and retain more value in the domestic economy.
With Uganda's housing deficit estimated at 2.4 million units, Musasizi said the demand will require private investment and financing that households and developers can afford.
Some of the participants at the event. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
He also said the Government will continue investing in roads, electricity, water and other essential services, including in Greater Kampala, to support construction and create an enabling environment for private investment.
“Government will advance digitisation and procurement reforms to strengthen accountability, curb corruption and protect value for money in public investments,” the minister highlighted.
He challenged the Forum to identify practical changes that will reduce the cost and time of building, help Ugandan firms win and deliver contracts, and attract long-term investment.
He called for each proposal to specify the responsible institution and what it can deliver within a clear timeframe. The recommendations from this Forum are expected to inform the next Budget, the medium term and Government's reform priorities.