Uganda Law Society Urges Government to Address Housing Crisis with Policy Reforms

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called upon the government to establish a robust housing policy aimed at improving access to quality homes for Ugandans. According to ULS Vice President Antony Asiimwe, the current cost of housing is prohibitively high, largely due to significant taxes on building materials. This makes it challenging for average citizens to acquire decent property without incurring substantial debt.

Asiimwe emphasized that a new policy must also address the prevalent issues surrounding land ownership, where fraudulent sales and costly litigation often leave Ugandans vulnerable. These challenges hinder many from securing their homes.

The ULS made these remarks during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Pearl Marina Estates, a real estate developer. This partnership aims to provide ULS members with discounted access to housing and improved living facilities. Under the agreement, ULS members purchasing condominiums at the estate will receive a 2.5 percent discount, with flexible payment options designed to facilitate the transition from renting to ownership.

This initiative highlights the need for collaborative solutions to Uganda’s growing housing deficit. The 2024 National Population and Housing Census revealed that 60 percent of Ugandans reside in informal or inadequate housing. To meet the demand, Uganda needs to construct approximately 300,000 housing units annually to close the 2.6 million-unit gap. The housing sector, despite contributing around 11 percent to Uganda’s GDP, is hampered by this significant supply-demand mismatch, impacting economic growth and job creation.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uls-calls-for-policy-to-tackle-uganda-s-housing-crisis-5619018