UGANDA, Buikwe | Real Muloodi News | In the face of a pressing housing crisis, stakeholders and experts all agree on the urgent need for affordable, quality housing solutions in our country.
Housing Finance Bank, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and the Buganda Kingdom, has stepped forward to tackle this issue head-on, reaffirming its dedication to providing affordable and decent housing options for all.
This commitment was solidified during a heartwarming ceremony where a brand-new, eco-friendly house was presented to Ms Namusisi Tezirwayo Zefloza, a remarkable 105-year-old resident of Buikwe District.
This event marked a significant milestone in the ‘Decent Living Campaign,’ an initiative launched in 2018 with the primary objective of elevating living standards within the Buganda Kingdom counties of Busiro, Kyadondo, Ssingo, Mawokota, and Kyaggwe.
Ms. Tezirwayo represents just one of the over 900,000 Ugandans living in substandard housing units, desperately in need of either renovation or replacement.
This dire situation is compounded by the country’s housing deficit of 2.4 million units and an annual growth rate of 200,000 units.
Before receiving her new home, Ms. Tezirwayo endured the harsh living conditions of a leaky, dilapidated house.
Her story serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of the ‘Decent Living Campaign’ and highlights the pivotal role that collaborative efforts play in transforming the housing landscape for countless individuals.
Michael Mugabi, Managing Director of Housing Finance Bank, emphasised the bank’s unwavering commitment to the communities it serves, stating, “As an indigenous bank, we cannot turn a blind eye to the needs of the communities we serve. That’s why, as part of our sustainability agenda, we aim to develop alongside our communities by promoting homeownership and financial independence.”
Mugabi further outlined that the Housing Finance Bank will continue to provide solutions that enable low to middle-income Ugandans, with various income sources and minimal documentation requirements, to access comfortable homes complete with clean water and energy supply.
Fred Mukholi, Director of Programs at Habitat for Humanity, acknowledged the enormity of the housing challenge but also expressed a profound determination to overcome it, saying, “Much as the challenge is enormous, the determination to surmount it is very strong, and together, we shall have a wall and a roof on those most vulnerable within our communities.”
The partnership with the Buganda Kingdom, deeply rooted in Uganda’s culture and heritage, has proven invaluable throughout this initiative.
Ms. Esther Nakafu, Head of Women Affairs at Kyaggwe County, hailed the partnership, stating, “The partnership made with the Buganda Kingdom which has now resulted in the construction of six houses within this county is the way to go.”
The ‘Decent Living Campaign’ initiative underscores the transformative power of collaboration in enhancing the lives of vulnerable communities in Uganda.
As these organisations work together, they aim to bridge the gap in housing accessibility, providing a brighter and more secure future for countless families within the Buganda Kingdom and beyond.
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