Minister Namuganza urges developers to build opportunity from Uganda's housing crisis

Uganda’s housing crisis could be the next big investment frontier—if the private sector steps up.

According to housing state minister Persis Namuganza, the country's housing shortfall, currently estimated at 2.4 million units, is especially pronounced in urban centres, where rapid urbanisation of over 5% per annum is exerting pressure on land, services, and infrastructure.

“We cannot allow this situation to persist,” Namuganza said. “The housing shortfall is both a challenge and an opportunity for the sector.”

She made the remarks in a speech read for her by Land ministry permanent secretary Dorcas Okalanyi during the official opening of the 4th Uganda Buildcon International Expo 2025 at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Show Grounds in Nakawa on Thursday. 

The expo, which runs from August 7 to 9, is East Africa’s premier B2B trade fair for the construction and building materials industry, bringing together local and international players to showcase the latest technologies and solutions in the built environment.

Namuganza underscored the strategic role of the construction sector in Uganda’s development agenda, noting that it contributes over 12% to the national GDP, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).

“This sector drives development by constructing essential infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals, and residential units, while also addressing critical housing shortages,” she said.

“A thriving construction industry means improved quality of life for all Ugandans.”
The minister emphasised that the ripple effects of the sector extend across multiple value chains, stimulating demand for raw materials, transport, energy, and finance, while creating jobs and enabling inclusive growth.

Namuganza reaffirmed the government’s commitment—under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni—to strengthening the housing and construction sectors through policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and private sector incentives.

Land ministry permanent secretary Dorcas Okalanyi during the official opening of the 4th Uganda Buildcon International Expo 2025 at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Show Grounds in Nakawa on Thursday. (Credit: John Masaba)

Ongoing policy initiatives

She cited several ongoing policy initiatives spearheaded by the ministry that are aimed at making the sector more investor-friendly and responsive to growing demand. 

These include:

• The National Housing Policy and National Urban Policy provide frameworks for sustainable development.

• The Physical Planning Act, which declares the entire country a planning area to promote orderly spatial development.

• The Landlord-Tenant Act, aimed at improving landlord-tenant relationships and rental housing management.

• The rollout of 23 Ministerial Zonal Offices, which have brought land and planning services closer to the public.

Namuganza urged international exhibitors to consider setting up local manufacturing plants in Uganda, promising them full government support through policy incentives and market access.

The theme for this year’s expo, “Building for the Future: Innovation, Sustainability and Technology,” was praised by Namuganza as timely and relevant.

She encouraged stakeholders to adopt emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart building systems, and eco-friendly construction materials to build more efficiently and sustainably.

“Innovation and sustainability must become the pillars of future housing and urban development in Uganda,” she said. “We must close the technological divide and promote affordable, green building solutions.”

Namuganza hailed the Buildcon Expo, which began in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic, as a critical platform for knowledge exchange, investment promotion, and showcasing cutting-edge building solutions. (Credit: John Masaba)

Platform for growth

Namuganza hailed the Buildcon Expo, which began in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic, as a critical platform for knowledge exchange, investment promotion, and showcasing cutting-edge building solutions.

“I wish to take this honour to welcome you all to this 4th edition of the Uganda Buildcon International Expo,” she said. “This event has grown into a vital space for driving transformation in Uganda’s construction and real estate sector.”

She commended the organisers—Exhibition Trade Services India, FUTUREX, and Lanestra Enterprises Uganda—for consistently bringing the event to life each year and attracting quality exhibitors from across the globe.

Call to Action

She encouraged the public and industry players to visit the expo, learn about government housing initiatives, and explore modern innovations that could reshape Uganda’s urban future.

“I want to reassure you that the Government of Uganda remains fully dedicated to supporting this industry,” she said. “Together, let us build a future defined by innovation, sustainability, and prosperity.”

According to Vaibhav Srivastava, Project Manager at Futures Exhibitions and co-organiser of the expo, this year’s edition will be the largest and most focused international exhibition for Uganda’s built environment.

“This exhibition stands as Uganda’s largest and most focused international exhibition in this sector,” Srivastava said. “It is dedicated to promoting innovation in architecture, building, construction, design, and engineering to serve the growing needs of Uganda and the broader East African region.”

Srivastava praised the strong institutional and industry support backing the event, including the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, National Housing and Construction Company, Institution of Surveyors of Uganda, and Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers.

“We are proud to host over 150 participating brands from countries such as Uganda, India, Kenya, China, UK, UAE, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Turkey, and more,” he added. 
“Participants include leading manufacturers, dealers, and service providers across the building and construction value chain.