The State Minister of Lands, Housing and Development, Persis Namuganza has called upon all stakeholders to join government in closing the housing gap in Uganda, citing that it cannot be done by one body alone.

This was during a presser at Uganda Media Centre on October 1st, 2026, where Dave Kayangayanga, the Director Housing at the ministry was reading the brief on behalf of Namuganza.

“Government cannot close Ugandas housing gap alone. We need a new and stronger housing partnership. The private sector must increase investment in affordable housing and bring innovative and cost effective solutions to the market,” the address read.

Kanyaganyaga called upon financial institutions to develop housing finance products that reflect the realities of Ugandan households, including those with informal and irregular incomes.

“Affordable housing will remain out of reach for many families unless they make it affordable and accessible,” Kanyaganyaga said.

He called upon development partners to help unlock financing, policy innovation, climate resilient approaches, research and capacity development.

In the speech, Local government was urged upon to strengthen physical planning, land management and enforcement of development standards so that urban growth is orderly and inclusive.

Among other stakeholders, academic institutions, universities, professional bodies and research institutions were asked to contribute new technologies, locally appropriate materials as well as research and other skills.

Kanyaganyaga also asked that the community be recognized not simply as beneficiaries but as partners in designing and implementing housing conditions.

During the Presser, Paul Okiring, the National Director of Habitat for Humanity Uganda said that those living in informal settlements must receive affordable and decent housing as a basic human right.

“We are very committed to this cause and we are driven by our 50 for 50 strategy, which is a global strategy of Habitat For Humanity that demonstrates our commitment to impacting 50 million people by the time we turn 50 this year,” Okiring said.

Established in 1976, Habitat For Humanity makes 50years and their target is to reach 50Million beneficiaries

He said that Uganda has committed to three strategic pillars, the first being, to build more and better homes where they will be involved in activities relating to providing housing, which has basic services including water, hygiene and sanitation, climate resilience among others.

“With pillar two, we are committing to transform housing systems where they will engage with the infrastructure and systems and procedures that will enable ordinary people have access to housing finance at community level,” Okiring added.

The National Director said that the third Pillar involves inspiring action for housing.

“We want to ensure that housing becomes a household name and a name popular across government private sector and community levels. We want to inspire as many people as possible to join us in ensuring we provide housing for people,” Okiring mentioned.

As Uganda joins the rest of the world to celebrate the National Habitat Day, celebrated every first Monday of the month of October, the Ministry of Lands in parternership with Habitat for Humanity Uganda and other key stakeholders will hold a national housing dialogue on October 5th at hotel Africana.

This years National Habitat Day Theme “Adequate Housing For All” will draw attention to government and all stakeholders to address the housing question across the entire housing chain.