Embrace new city plans - Ugandans asked

The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon Betie Kamya, has asked Ugandans to be vigilant on government's efforts to provide affordable and good housing as Uganda moves into its next phase of development following the Parliament's approval of 15 new cities.

Kamya said that since new cities were launched, the housing plans in those cities are supposed to change too in order to match the housing plans of cities.

"In this case government is supporting the private sector in building low cost houses for its population that live in those cities by availing low cost housing plans to them.  This will mean that houses and buildings in those cities that don't match the new city plans will be demolished," Kamya said.    

She made the remarks while officiating at the sustainable housing and cities conference 2020 hosted by Crest Group and organized by Aesthetics Designs on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

The conference was aimed at changing perspectives to the idea of building better cities for the future of Uganda.

During the conference, a panel of discussions on key issues required to consider and attain sustainability in housing and in building of the cities were highlighted.

According to the Habitat Uganda report 2019, Uganda's housing deficit stands at 2.4 million housing units, out of which 210,000 units in urban areas and 1.395 million units in rural areas.

An estimated 900,000 units are substandard and in need of replacement or upgrading.

The report further states that by 2022, Uganda's population is projected to be about 48 million.

According to Huzaifa Chawhwala, the CEO Aesthetics designs, "Our agenda is to play apart in a new era where sustainable housing and cities will be defined greatly by efficiency. Construction and use of buildings is responsible for huge global energy-related emissions and a more sustainable approach is key to not just our survival but so for the future generations."

Edwin Musiime, CEO Crest Group, said that the purpose of the 2020 Architectural Event was meant to change the Ugandan's perspective on the idea of building of better cities for the future.

"I think Ugandans need to be part of the conversation and then directly participate in the cause of attaining sustainable housing and sustainable cities. Making our cities sustainable means creating work and business opportunities, more affordable housing, and continuing to build resilient societies and the economy," Musiime said.

He said that the new cities; Arua, Gulu, Jinja, Mbarara, Fortportal, Mbale and Masaka are part of the growing need for the conversation about building sustainable cities to be solidified. 

The panel discussion participants included; Judy Kyanda MD Knight Frank, Eng. David Luyimbazi KCCA Dep. Executive Director, Peace Kabunga Executive Director Housing finance bank, Huzaifa Chawhwala Founder Aesthetic Group and Hamza Galiwango, Director Industrial parks UIA.