HOUSING CRISIS! Gov’t Turns To Developers, Banks To Build 2.48m Homes As Housing Expo (UREHE) 2026 Nears
By Evans Najuna
KAMPALA — Government has turned to property developers, banks, investors and other private-sector players for help to tackle Uganda’s housing crisis, with the country facing a deficit of about 2.48 million housing units.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development says traditional construction methods alone will not be enough to close the gap, as high construction costs, expensive financing and rapid urbanisation continue to put pressure on the housing sector.
The call was made Thursday by Minister of State for Housing, Princess Persis Namuganza, ahead of the second Uganda Real Estate and Housing Expo (UREHE) 2026, scheduled for September 25-26 at Kingdom Kampala Gardens.
The Expo is being organised in partnership with Douglas Events Ltd and the Uganda Society of Architects and is expected to bring together property developers, investors, financial institutions, Government agencies, architects and other players in the real estate industry.
2.48M HOMES NEEDED
Namuganza said the size of Uganda’s housing deficit requires new thinking and practical solutions.
“The housing deficit stands at 2.48 million units, a gap that cannot be closed through conventional construction approaches alone,” she said.
She said the Expo will give developers and other stakeholders an opportunity to showcase cheaper and faster construction technologies, innovative designs and alternative financing models.
This year’s Expo will run under the theme “Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Housing.”
According to the Ministry, the theme also seeks to address growing climate-related threats to urban settlements, including flooding, poor drainage and heat stress.
Namuganza urged developers to embrace climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable construction while strengthening cooperation between Government, the private sector and professional bodies.
CHEAPER HOMES ON THE AGENDA
The Expo is expected to showcase low-cost housing technologies, alternative construction materials, investment opportunities and innovative financing models.
Participants will also discuss land and housing information, real estate market trends and emerging practices in the sector.
The Ministry says stronger collaboration among Government, developers and financiers will be critical if Uganda is to expand access to decent and affordable housing.
GOV’T SHOWS ITS HAND
Government says it has introduced several policies and laws aimed at strengthening the housing and real estate sector.
These include the National Housing Policy 2016, National Urban Policy 2017, Condominium Property Act 2001, Physical Planning Act 2010 and Landlord and Tenant Act 2022.
The Ministry has also operationalised model rules for residential condominiums and introduced energy-efficiency guidelines for buildings.
It says 23 ministerial zonal offices have been established to bring land, valuation and physical-planning services closer to the public.
The Ministry is also implementing the National Physical Development Plan IV (NPDP IV) to guide spatial development and human settlements.
CITIES PROGRAMME COMING
The Ministry said implementation of the Uganda Cities and Municipal Infrastructure Development Programme (UCMID) is expected to commence soon.
Members of the public attending the Expo will also be able to access free land-title searches at the Ministry’s exhibition stall.
Namuganza thanked stakeholders who have confirmed participation and called on more companies to come on board as sponsors and exhibitors.
Major sponsors confirmed so far include MTN Uganda, 88 Residency Kenya, Steel and Tube Industries and Regal Paints Uganda.
The Minister said the Expo will provide an opportunity for Government and private-sector players to explore practical ways of addressing Uganda’s housing shortage while promoting orderly and sustainable urban development.
The two-day Expo and housing workshop will be held at Kingdom Kampala Gardens on September 25 and 26, 2026.
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