The 6th Edition of the NBS Housing Baraza continued its critical conversations about affordable housing on Day 3, focusing on practical solutions and collaborative approaches to address Uganda’s growing housing challenges, under thetheme “The Future of Housing in Uganda: Exploring Affordable and Sustainable Solutions.”
Highlights from the Day 3 Discussions:
Innovative Financing for Homeowners; Annette from Housing Finance Bank introduced the “Zimba Mpola” loan, a unique product designed to support low-income earners in building homes incrementally. With a specific focus on serving the informal sector, this solution emphasizes Housing Finance Bank’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible housing for all Ugandans.
Tailored Housing Solutions; Dr. Moses Mubiru, a real estate expert, urged the need for customized housing approachesfor different demographics and income levels. He highlighted ongoing challenges with the land registration system and stressed the importance of thorough due diligence by prospective buyers to avoid common pitfalls like overlapping titles or fraudulent transactions.
Professional Guidance in Land Purchases; Florence Nambooze Baali, a land surveyor, emphasized the critical role of involving professionals such as surveyors, lawyers, and valuers when buying land. She shared practical advice, including visiting the land at different times, consulting neighbors, and conducting thorough searches to ensure a smooth transaction process.
Government-Led Initiatives; Hon. Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development shared updates on the government’s efforts to address challenges in land tenure and affordable housing.
- The Ministry is actively digitizing the land registry and has launched a public portal where land records can be accessed for a fee of 10,000 UGX.
- Plans are underway to roll out affordable housing prototypes to districts and implement public-private partnerships for large-scale housing projects.
- Strategies such as tax breaks, subsidies, and incentives aim to encourage private sector involvement in affordable housing initiatives.
The Minister also highlighted the affordability gap, acknowledging that while a 100-million UGX house is deemed “affordable” by many, the Ministry is working to develop more accessible solutions for the broader population.
A Collective Effort for Affordable Housing
The discussions from Day 3 reinforced the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and financial institutions in creating sustainable housing solutions for all Ugandans.
The NBS Housing Baraza remains a platform for transformative ideas, ensuring the conversation on affordable housing continues to inspire action and innovation across Uganda.
Stay tuned for more insights from the 6th Edition of the NBS Housing Baraza!
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