Business 5 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Proposed Excise Duty Hike on Cement and Paints to Drive Up Housing Prices in Uganda
New tax proposals to raise excise duties on cement and paints are set to increase construction costs, ultimately pushing up housing prices across Uganda. Industry experts warn that this could exacerbate the ongoing housing affordability crisis. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/finance/-new-tax-proposals-will-push-up-housing-costs-5411544
Uganda’s government is considering steeper excise duties on key construction materials like cement and paints, a move that analysts say will inflate building expenses.
Construction firms have highlighted that higher taxes on these essentials will directly raise the overall cost of housing projects, making homes less affordable for ordinary Ugandans.
The proposals come amid efforts to boost revenue, but stakeholders argue they overlook the sector’s vulnerability and could slow down development in urban areas.
Experts predict a ripple effect, with developers passing on the increased costs to buyers, further straining the property market.
This analysis is based on reporting from Daily Monitor (Uganda), published April 6, 2026.