UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The recently concluded Second National Housing Symposium in Uganda, held under the theme “Affordable Housing in Informal Settlements as a Drive for Economic Growth,” marked a pivotal moment in Uganda’s ongoing quest to address its housing crisis and ignite economic development.
Organised by Habitat for Humanity Uganda, this symposium brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for enhancing housing accessibility and quality in the country.
The symposium served as a crucial platform for showcasing, nurturing, promoting, and disseminating groundbreaking initiatives aimed at revolutionising Uganda’s housing sector.
It aimed to facilitate the growth of enterprises, promote knowledge sharing, and strengthen institutional and regulatory support to integrate sustainability principles into housing projects, programs, and private-sector housing development.
The presence of the Honorable Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, as the chief guest underscored the significance of the event.
In her keynote address, Minister Nabakooba reaffirmed the importance of the symposium, emphasising that “the conclusion of last year’s inaugural housing symposium emphasised the need for this forum to become an annual gathering of all housing sector stakeholders.”
The symposium addressed formidable obstacles hindering the implementation of housing policies in Uganda.
These challenges encompassed issues related to land tenure insecurity, financial constraints, volatile building material costs, and the chaotic and minimally regulated land and property market.
To tackle these affordability challenges, Minister Nabakooba unveiled a series of government-driven interventions:
Establishing a Land Bank
The government plans to establish a land bank to efficiently aggregate available land resources.
Comprehensive Surveys and Registrations
Comprehensive surveys and registrations of public land and land under customary tenure will be conducted to clarify land ownership rights.
Property Tax Policy Review
A review of property tax policies will encourage the development of affordable housing.
Standardised Land Valuation Procedures
Enforceable policies and legal frameworks will be instituted to standardise land valuation procedures.
Regulatory Mechanisms
Greater oversight and regulation within the real estate sector will be implemented.
Mortgage Refinancing Options
The establishment of mortgage refinancing options aims to address the issue of unaffordable terms set by financial institutions.
Robert Otim, the Country Director of Habitat for Humanity Uganda, highlighted the commitments made during the 2022 National Housing Symposium, including the “Home Equals Campaign.”
This global advocacy campaign spans five years to instigate policy changes at all levels to ensure that individuals residing in informal settlements gain access to adequate housing.
Otim also unveiled plans for a forthcoming continental/regional housing forum scheduled for May.
Maurice Makoloo, the Area Vice President for the Africa region at Habitat for Humanity, emphasized the critical importance of addressing the housing crisis.
He shared a poignant anecdote about his young son’s concern for people without homes during lockdown. This story served as a powerful reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive housing solutions.
“A home is not just a place to live but a catalyst for economic growth and development,” Makoloo stated, underscoring the symposium’s mission.
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