Uganda’s National Housing Dialogue explores housing as a driver of economic growth
What if housing was viewed not as a cost, but as one of Uganda’s most powerful drivers for economic growth, resilience and national development? This question took center stage as government leaders, housing practitioners, financial institutions and development partners gathered in Kampala for the Uganda National Housing Dialogue in commemoration of World Habitat Day 2026.
Held under the theme “Housing as a Foundation for Uganda’s Social and Economic Transformation,” the Dialogue challenged long-held perceptions of housing as merely a social issue and highlighted its potential to create jobs, attract investment, strengthen communities and supporting sustainable urban development.
Convened by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development alongside Habitat for Humanity Uganda and other sector stakeholders, the Dialogue brought together key actors from across the housing ecosystem to explore practical solutions to Uganda’s growing housing needs and accelerate access to adequate housing for all.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Hon. Judith Nabakooba described housing as a critical component of Uganda’s economic infrastructure.
“Housing is economic infrastructure,” she said. “Every home built generates activity across multiple sectors, including construction, manufacturing, transport, finance, energy and water. It creates jobs, stimulates investment and contributes to national development.”
Turning a housing deficit into an opportunity
Uganda’s current housing deficit is estimated at 2.4 million units, with approximately 300,000 additional homes needed each year to keep pace with rapid population growth and urbanization. While these figures highlight the scale of the challenge, participants emphasized that they also point to a significant opportunity. Expanding access to housing can support local industries, create employment and improve living conditions for millions of Ugandans.
For Habitat for Humanity Uganda, the conversation centered on ensuring that housing policies and investments translate into greater opportunity for families.
“The future of housing in Uganda cannot be measured simply by the number of units constructed,” said Paul Okiring, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Uganda. “The real measure is whether people can access land, affordable finance and safe, resilient homes that allow them to live productive and dignified lives.”
Making housing finance work for more families
A recurring theme throughout the Dialogue was the need to make housing finance more accessible. With traditional mortgage products remaining out of reach for many households, participants called for increased investment in housing microfinance, savings groups, cooperatives and other flexible financing solutions that reflect how most Ugandans build their homes incrementally over time.
“Housing is one of the most important assets a family can build,” Okiring said. “It strengthens resilience, improves living conditions and creates a foundation for long-term economic security.”
Participants also highlighted the importance of secure land tenure, serviced land and infrastructure in addressing the housing challenge. As Uganda’s urban population continues to grow, speakers stressed that expanding housing supply must go hand in hand with investments in well-planned communities connected to employment opportunities, schools, healthcare and other essential services.
The Dialogue further underscored the link between housing and broader development outcomes. Safe and adequate housing contributes to better health, improved educational attainment and greater household resilience, while reducing vulnerability to economic shocks.
Climate resilience emerged as another priority. With floods, landslides and other climate-related hazards increasingly affecting communities across the country, participants called for housing investments that prioritize sustainable construction, risk-informed planning and resilient infrastructure.
“Affordable housing should never mean inadequate housing,” Okiring said. “The homes we build must be safe, durable and resilient enough to protect families from the risks they face today and those that will emerge in the future.”
From dialogue to action
While participants acknowledged the scale of Uganda’s housing challenge, they agreed that addressing it will require coordinated action from government, financial institutions, developers, civil society, development partners and communities.
As the Dialogue concluded, stakeholders called for discussions to be translated into concrete policies, investments and partnerships that expand access to adequate housing and support inclusive growth.
“The real measure of this Dialogue will not be the discussions we have had today,” Okiring said. “It will be the actions that follow. We must move from identifying problems to implementing solutions and from viewing housing as a deficit to recognizing it as a strategic investment in Uganda’s future.”
The Dialogue closed with a renewed call to position housing not simply as shelter, but as a foundation for economic opportunity, resilient communities and sustainable development in Uganda.