news 14 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Government Warns Ugandans on Substandard, Overpriced Apartments Amidst Housing Shortage
Uganda's Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is cautioning citizens to be wary of newly built apartments, as a lack of regulation has allowed some developers to market expensive, yet substandard properties. A new Real Estate Bill is being fast-tracked to address these concerns. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-warns-ugandans-over-costly-substandard-apartments-5558694
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has issued a stern warning to Ugandans considering the purchase of new apartments. State Minister for Housing, Persis Namuganza, highlighted that the absence of a robust legal framework for real estate developers has led to a proliferation of buildings that are not only overpriced but also fail to meet acceptable construction standards.
“We have many developers developing substandard buildings… many of them are wanting and yet they are selling them expensively,” Minister Namuganza stated. She added that Parliament is expediting the Real Estate Bill to rectify this regulatory gap, which has allowed some developers to take advantage of buyers.
The concern over poor-quality housing is significant, as some buyers reportedly face substantial financial losses when structural issues arise shortly after purchase. This issue is particularly acute given Uganda’s considerable housing deficit, estimated at 2.4 million units by the 2024 National Housing and Population Census. The demand spurred by this shortage has led to a surge in apartment construction, especially in urban centers.
Amidst these developments, the government and stakeholders are also exploring innovative solutions. At an awards ceremony for an affordable housing design competition organized by Habitat for Humanity Uganda and Citi Foundation, students presented various low-cost and sustainable housing models. These designs, some estimated to cost between Shs13 million and Shs40 million, offer potential pathways to address the housing crisis and provide more Ugandans with access to decent and affordable homes, while also attracting potential private investment.