Govt launches housing drive to close 2.4-million-unit gap

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The Ugandan government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all Ugandans, especially low- and middle-income earners, have access to decent and affordable housing. 

The pledge comes as the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development prepares to host the inaugural Uganda Real Estate and Housing Expo 2025, a landmark event aimed at uniting stakeholders to chart a more inclusive and sustainable path for the country’s housing sector.

Speaking on Thursday ahead of the September 26 expo, ministry's director of housing, Dave Khayangayanga, said that Uganda’s rapidly growing population and expanding urban areas have made housing accessibility a top national priority.

Dave Khayangayanga, the Director of Housing in Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, speaking during the press conference held on September 18. (Photo by Alfred Ochwo)

He said Uganda is currently grappling with a housing deficit of 2.4 million units, with the largest gap affecting low-income households.

“Housing is a human right, and as government, we are fully committed to making it accessible, inclusive, and affordable—especially for the majority of Ugandans who are low-income earners,” said Khayangayanga.

He added that most real estate projects in the country continue to target the upper-middle class, a trend that has widened inequality in access to housing.

The upcoming expo aims to reverse this by encouraging investment in low-cost, climate-resilient and inclusive housing models that address the needs of the wider population.

Set to kick off on September 26 at Kati Kati Grounds, the three-expo is expected to attract over 300 exhibitors and more than 5,000 participants from across the housing, finance, development, and real estate sectors.

It is themed: “Unlocking Uganda’s Real Estate Potential: Resilient by Design, Affordable by Intent."

The expo will promote dialogue on sustainable urban growth, innovation in construction, and financing solutions that make homeownership a reality for more Ugandans.

Khayangayanga emphasized that the event will not only showcase technologies and investment opportunities, but will also serve as a platform for disseminating key government policies and reforms that support housing accessibility.

These include the National Housing Policy, the National Urban Policy, the Condominium Property Act, the amended Fiscal Planning Act, and the Landlord-Tenant Act of 2022.

The ministry will also present updates on the ministerial zonal offices — now 22 across the country — which have brought essential services like land registration closer to the people.

Expo-goers will also have access to free land title searches and energy-efficient building guidelines, along with professional development seminars tailored for sector stakeholders.

According to Khayangayanga, these offerings demonstrate the government's seriousness about empowering citizens to participate meaningfully in the housing sector.

He further stressed that Uganda’s real estate sector, though still developing, is undergoing rapid transformation. 

He said the government is aware of the challenges, including high construction costs, limited financing options, climate risks such as flooding and heat stress, and weak urban planning systems.

However, he expressed optimism that with the right partnerships and policy interventions, Uganda can build a resilient and inclusive housing system.

“Uganda is still developing its real estate sector, but the pace of change is rapid. This is our moment to shape it intentionally—for people, for the environment, and for future generations,” he said.

The government is calling on all Ugandans, including developers, financial institutions, NGOs, community-based organisations, and professionals in the built environment, to attend the Expo and contribute to building a housing system that leaves no one behind.

“This is a call to action—for government, private sector, NGOs, and citizens—to work together. We must remove the legal, financial, and policy barriers that stand in the way of affordable housing,” Khayangayanga urged.

The Uganda Real Estate and Housing Expo 2025 is expected to be the country’s premier platform for innovation, collaboration, and transformation in the real estate and housing sector.