Government commits to building rental housing in slums worth shs 1 trillion

5 April 2025, 11:50 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, has outlined its commitment to addressing the country’s housing deficit. Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, revealed that the Prime Minister has been tasked with key stakeholders to develop measures and a multi-year budget to finance the project.

“We discussed a holistic national housing strategy, and the Cabinet supported the cause. We are going to meet with the Prime Minister to revisit budgeting and mitigation strategies,” Nabakooba stated.

The minister emphasised that over a trillion shillings is needed to replace slum housing with decent settlements. The ministry aims to integrate this funding into the 2025/2026 budget. “We’re looking at a trillion-plus because replacing slum housing with decent settlements requires significant investment,” she said. She believes that in the next financial year’s budget, the funds will be included. Nabakooba added that government workers will also benefit from the project, particularly those stationed in districts where housing is scarce. She highlighted the need to improve living conditions for civil servants who often struggle to find affordable housing in rural areas.

According to statistics, Uganda currently faces a housing deficit of 2.4 million units, a challenge the minister acknowledged while commending Habitat for Humanity for its efforts toward formal settlements and affordable housing solutions. The board chairperson of Habitat for Humanity, Waggwa Nsibirwa, stated the importance of affordable and decent housing.

“Housing is fundamental to various aspects of life, including education, health, and work productivity. If you want to reduce disease, coming from a decent home matters. If you want good output at work, the way you slept matters, and the way you wake up does matter. That’s why our vision as an organisation is to see Uganda where everyone has a decent place to live and thrive,” Nsibirwa said.

Roland Ndyomungyenyi, Rukiga County Member of Parliament, commended Habitat for Humanity Uganda for its pivotal role in advocating for equitable housing solutions. “This initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader vision of inclusive urbanisation and the sustainable development goals, specifically Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities,” Ndyomungyenyi said. Despite budgetary constraints, the collaboration efforts between the government and organisations like Habitat for Humanity Uganda offer hope for a future where housing is accessible to all Ugandans.

In one of the parliamentary sittings, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, stated that away from Kololo and Nakasero, Kampala seems like a large slum due to poor planning and requested the Prime Minister to engage the planners.