Kampala, Uganda – The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has officially launched the inaugural Uganda Real Estate & Housing Expo (UREHE) 2025, a transformative event set to reshape Uganda’s housing and real estate landscape.
The expo will run from September 26 to 28, 2025, at Kati Kati Grounds, Lugogo, Kampala.
Organized in collaboration with Douglas Events Ltd and other key stakeholders, the expo will run under the theme: “Resilient by Design, Affordable by Intent: Shaping the Future of Real Estate.”
Speaking at the launch event at the Uganda Media Center, Mr. Dave Khayangayanga, Acting Director of the Housing Directorate on behalf of State Minister Hon. Persis Namuganza, emphasized the expo’s role in addressing Uganda’s 2.4 million housing unit deficit, particularly for low-income earners.
“Uganda is urbanizing at a rapid rate of 5.2% annually, and this creates urgent demand for affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure,” said Khayangayanga. “This expo will be a crucial platform to unlock Uganda’s real estate potential and push for inclusive, long-term solutions.”
A Platform for Innovation, Investment, and Inclusion
Douglas Mukwaya, CEO of Douglas Events Ltd, described the expo as a groundbreaking initiative that will redefine how Uganda approaches urban development and housing.
“We are honored to host partners from government, private sector, professional bodies, and NGOs like Habitat for Humanity Uganda, all of whom are committed to driving decent and affordable housing,” said Mukwaya.
Mukwaya also acknowledged the contributions of major real estate players and sponsors including: Centum Real Estate (Pearl Marina, Mirembe Villas), KCB Bank, Housing Finance Bank, MTN Uganda, Fakhruddin Properties, Footsteps Furniture, Regal Paints, and many more
What to Expect at UREHE 2025
- Over 300 exhibitors
- 5,000+ attendees from Uganda and across East Africa
- Live showcases of sustainable building technologies, affordable housing models, and green financing options
- Collaborative sessions between investors, developers, technology innovators, and policy makers
Real Estate: A Key Driver of Uganda’s Economy
Uganda’s real estate sector contributes approximately 11% to national GDP. In the 2022/23 financial year, the real estate and construction sectors received 20.3% of all approved credit—highlighting continued investor confidence even amid global economic headwinds.
However, challenges persist. The sector faces: High construction costs, Limited access to affordable financing, Reliance on imported materials
These factors continue to hinder access to housing for lower-income populations.
Private Sector Commitments
KCB Bank Uganda, through its Head of Mortgages Mr. Isaac Mukiibi, reaffirmed its dedication to supporting housing development through flexible mortgage solutions and developer partnerships like Bakaima Real Estates and Reportage.
“We’re not just financing homes; we’re building legacies and shaping Uganda’s future,” Mukiibi said.
Regal Paints’ Marketing Manager, Sandra Kanyiginya, urged the public to attend and embrace the possibilities that will be presented at the expo.
“This event is about reimagining housing in Uganda. Let’s be part of the change,” she added.
The Uganda Real Estate & Housing Expo 2025 promises to be a milestone event, catalyzing collaboration across sectors to create inclusive, sustainable, and resilient housing solutions for Ugandans.
