Namuganza Urges Real Estate Developers to Prioritize Quality and Fiscal Planning in Uganda’s Housing Sector

The State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development (Lands), Hon. Persis Princess Namuganza, has called on players in Uganda’s construction and real estate sector to prioritize quality, affordability, and fiscal planning in order to address the country’s growing housing needs.

Speaking at the launch of the Private Sector Strategy for the Construction and Real Estate Industry in Uganda, held under the theme “Rekindling Competitiveness and Growth of Indigenous Construction and Real Estate Job Creation,” Minister Namuganza emphasized the urgent need for decent, affordable housing, especially for urban dwellers and evicted communities.

Namuganza rallied developers to build quality, affordable homes for Uganda’s urban poor

“There are people who sleep on the streets every night. People who have been evicted from wetlands and protected areas. The accommodations being built look good on paper, but in reality, they are not fit for the people,” she said.

The Minister decried the shrinking living space in urban developments and criticized developers for focusing on aesthetics rather than livability. “Why are you allowing people to put up structures that can’t even accommodate a family with three children? This is not development,” she said, noting that housing developments should support the well-being of families and communities.

Namuganza also urged real estate developers to align their efforts with government fiscal planning goals. “Mine is quality, quality, quality. When you come with quality as government, we are going to support you and move with you. But you must also be within fiscal planning frameworks,” she said.

Citing the potential of the private sector to transform Uganda’s housing landscape, Namuganza encouraged developers to seize the opportunity to build affordable homes that reflect both function and form. “Uganda is a beautiful country. If we organize it in terms of construction and settlements, we are going to make it even more beautiful,” she said.

The Minister also commended the Real Estate Foundation Uganda and other stakeholders in the sector, urging them to bring a fresh approach centered on innovation, inclusivity, and accountability.

“If we had someone putting up massive affordable housing projects, we wouldn’t waste time convincing Cabinet. There are many tenants to be housed, and the government is ready to work with serious developers,” Namuganza added.

She concluded with a call for better sector organization, urging future events to reflect the glamour and vibrancy of the construction sector. “Next time, make it look like a wedding, a party. Our sector is a beautiful one, and we must celebrate it,” she said with a smile.

The strategy launch brought together key players in Uganda’s construction and real estate industry, with a focus on driving indigenous participation, increasing job creation, and improving the overall quality and affordability of housing across the country.