Speaking on behalf of the State Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Persis Namuganza, Dave Khayangayanga, Acting Director of the Housing Directorate, said the expo will unite government leaders, investors, developers, innovators, and financial institutions to explore investment opportunities, assess industry trends, and showcase sustainable housing models, financing solutions, and modern building technologies.
“There is currently a housing deficit of about 2.4 million units, which disproportionately affects low-income households. Uganda needs inclusive and affordable housing solutions,” Khayangayanga emphasized.
Themed “Resilient by Design, Affordable by Intent: Shaping the Future of Real Estate”, the expo is being organized by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in partnership with Douglas Events Ltd and other stakeholders, including professional associations, private developers, and NGOs.
Highlighting Uganda’s rapid urban growth of 5.2% annually, Khayangayanga stressed the need for innovative approaches to affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure. He described the expo as a critical platform to unlock real estate potential and called on all Ugandans to participate.
Douglas Mukwaya, CEO of Douglas Events Ltd, described the expo as a groundbreaking initiative that will redefine how Uganda approaches urban development. He thanked government agencies such as the Uganda Land Commission, National Housing and Construction Company, and professional bodies like the Uganda Society of Architects, Surveyors Registration Board, and UNABSEC, as well as NGOs like Habitat for Humanity Uganda, for their support.
Private sector partners including Centum Real Estate, KCB Bank, Housing Finance Bank, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Regal Paints, Fakhruddin Properties, and MTN Uganda were also recognized for their role in driving growth in Uganda’s housing sector.
The expo is expected to feature over 300 exhibitors and attract more than 5,000 participants from across East Africa, creating a space for policymakers, developers, financiers, and communities to collaborate on solutions to Uganda’s housing challenges.
Uganda’s real estate sector already contributes 11% to national GDP and accounted for 20.3% of all approved credit in FY 2022/23, according to UBOS, reflecting strong investor confidence. However, affordability remains a key challenge due to high construction costs, reliance on imports, and limited access to innovative financing.
At the launch, KCB Bank Uganda’s Head of Mortgages, Isaac Mukiibi, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting home ownership through flexible mortgage solutions, trusted developer partnerships, and on-the-spot financial guidance.
“We are not just financing homes—we are building legacies and shaping Uganda’s housing future,” he said.
Sandra Kanyiginya, Marketing Manager at Regal Paints, also pledged support, urging Ugandans to embrace the expo as a platform to unlock new possibilities in real estate.
