KAMPALA, Uganda – Housing Finance Bank (HFB) reinforced its commitment to affordable housing during the 7th NBS Housing Baraza, held at Next Media Park, bringing together stakeholders from across Uganda’s housing ecosystem.
The Baraza, themed “A Home for Every Ugandan: From Dream to Doorstep,” convened government officials, developers, financiers, builders, suppliers, innovators, and citizens to discuss innovative strategies for expanding access to affordable and sustainable homes, shaping the future of Uganda’s housing landscape.
Delivering the keynote address, Michael K. Mugabi, Managing Director of Housing Finance Bank, emphasized that unlocking Uganda’s housing future requires more than just meeting numerical targets. “The true goal is to create inclusive, well planned, and sustainable communities where every Ugandan can live with dignity. Achieving this requires coherent policy, intentional planning, and full readiness from all stakeholders in the housing ecosystem,” he said.
Mugabi highlighted Uganda’s housing deficit of 2.4 million units and stressed that, with alignment across government and the private sector and support from policy reforms like the Valuation and Mortgage Refinance Bills, the country has the capacity to meet the demand. HFB is committed to providing accessible solutions, including home purchase and incremental loans, as well as green financing, underlining the need for collective action to ensure every Ugandan has a dignified home.
He also called on developers, suppliers, and financial institutions to play their part. “Developers must design for the working majority, suppliers must prioritize durability over short term gains, and financial institutions must support the entire housing journey from plot acquisition to phased construction, not just completed homes. A housing sector that serves only the elite cannot transform a nation,” Mugabi added.
John Baptist Kaweesi, Head of Mortgage and Consumer Banking at Housing Finance Bank, highlighted the bank’s role in bridging financing gaps in the housing sector. “Many customers don’t have the funds to construct or buy a home. When developers present innovative housing concepts, we work with them to provide financing to potential buyers. This approach strengthens both supply and demand, contributing to economic growth. Through initiatives like the Zimba Challenge, we are supporting developers and innovators with affordable housing solutions, ensuring Uganda’s housing supply grows inclusively and sustainably,” Kaweesi said.
The Guest of Honor, Rt. Hon Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister of General Duties, Office of the Prime Minister, emphasized the need for a balance between housing for all social classes through taxation and other policies.
“Housing remains at the heart of our national development. The real need is much greater, touching issues of poverty, health, dignity, and overall well being. The Housing Baraza reminds us that addressing housing is not optional; it is essential to achieving sustainable housing and growth.”
The Minister commended the practicality and impact of the HFB Zimba Mpola Mpola service, recognizing it as a significant contribution toward closing Uganda’s housing gap and promoting sustainable home ownership. “I want to thank Housing Finance Bank for providing incremental housing loans that are making home ownership possible for everyday Ugandans,” the Minister added.
Through the Zimba Mpola Mpola initiative, HFB continues to provide incremental housing loans to Ugandans who were previously excluded from the formal financial system, enabling everyday earners to access homeownership. To bring these services closer to more communities, the Bank is expanding its footprint with new branches opening in Nansana and Soroti this November, ensuring that affordable and sustainable housing solutions reach all corners of Uganda.
