The highly anticipated 6th Edition of the NBS Housing Baraza kicked off under this year’s theme: “A Home For Every Ugandan.” Held at the Next Media Park, the event focused on addressing Uganda’s housing challenges and creating pathways for accessible homeownership.
Keynote Insights:
The keynote speaker, Mr. Micheal Mugabi, Managing Director of Housing Finance Bank, set an ambitious target: the development of 100,000 affordable housing units by 2027. He emphasized innovative financing solutions as critical in tackling Uganda’s significant housing deficit.
Panel Discussions:
Panelists shed light on the hurdles Ugandans face in land acquisition, permit approvals, and construction. They urged aspiring homeowners to seek professional support from architects and engineers to avoid costly mistakes during the building process.
Real Stories, Real Impact:
Two beneficiaries of Housing Finance Bank’s “Zimba Mpola” program inspired the audience with their testimonies, demonstrating that even low-income earners can achieve the dream of homeownership through incremental financing.
Advice for Young Professionals:
Experts encouraged young professionals to plan and save for homeownership early, leveraging time to their advantage. The message was clear: cutting corners by bypassing professional guidance can lead to long-term challenges.
Panelists and participants called for regulatory reforms to adapt building codes and permit requirements to the realities of low-income buyers. They also stressed the need for partnerships between banks, developers, and industry associations to foster a more inclusive housing sector.
The first day of the Baraza was a resounding success, setting the stage for actionable conversations about building a sustainable future.
Next Communication Limited