Politics 15 August 2026 Nile Post
Parliament Seeks to Boost NHCC to Tackle Uganda's Housing Shortage
Ugandan Parliament is advocating for the recapitalization of the National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC) to address the nation's significant housing deficit, estimated at 2.4 million units. This push comes after discussions with a Moroccan delegation about successful low-cost housing strategies and a subsequent meeting with the State Minister for Housing. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/363741/parliament-pushes-for-capitalization-of-nhcc-to-address-ugandas-housing-deficit
Uganda faces a substantial housing deficit of 2.4 million units, a problem exacerbated by rapid urbanization. Parliament is now urging the government to inject fresh capital into the National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC) to bolster its capacity for developing affordable housing.
This initiative gained momentum following engagements between parliamentary committee chairpersons and a Moroccan delegation. The delegation shared insights from Morocco’s experience in expanding access to low-cost housing, including innovative financing for developers and rent-to-own schemes.
Following the international exchange, the MPs met with the State Minister for Housing, Persis Namuganza, to deliberate on Uganda’s specific housing challenges and potential solutions. The Ministry of Finance notes that Uganda’s urban population is growing rapidly, far outpacing the current annual supply of approximately 60,000 housing units, falling short of the National Development Plan IV target of 300,000 units per year.
The current market primarily caters to middle and high-income earners, leaving a significant gap for lower-income households. This has led to urban sprawl and the proliferation of informal settlements lacking basic services. Members of Parliament believe strengthening NHCC is crucial for driving large-scale, low-cost housing delivery.
Discussions with the Moroccan delegation highlighted the importance of government commitment, accessible financing, and conducive policy environments. “Morocco’s success proves that with deliberate policy, accessible financing and political will, closing the housing gap is entirely achievable,” stated Edson Rugumayo, Chairperson of the Committee on Lands, Housing, Urban Development and Physical Planning.
MPs also emphasized that recapitalization alone is insufficient. They are calling for financing models that align with the incomes of ordinary Ugandans, effective land and urban planning policies, and increased private sector involvement. The goal is to create practical mechanisms to close the housing gap, moving beyond mere statistics.