Uganda’s housing and real estate sector is set for a major showcase later this month, with more than 300 exhibitors and an estimated 5,000 participants expected to convene at the inaugural Uganda Real Estate and Housing Expo (UREHE) 2025.
The three-day event will run from September 26 to 28 at Kati Kati Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala.
The expo, launched yesterday at the Uganda Media Centre, is organized by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in partnership with Douglas Events Ltd and other key stakeholders. It is being held under the theme “Resilient by Design, Affordable by Intent: Shaping the Future of Real Estate”.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Dave Khayangayanga, the Acting Director of the Housing Directorate, who represented State Minister for Lands and Housing, Persis Namuganza, said the event seeks to bring together government leaders, investors, developers, and innovators to explore investment opportunities, discuss market trends, and showcase affordable housing solutions.
“There is a housing deficit in Uganda, which stands at approximately 2.4 million units, mostly affecting low-income earners. Therefore, there is need for inclusive housing solutions,” Mr. Khayangayanga stressed.
He added that Uganda’s urbanization rate of 5.2 percent annually continues to create a crucial demand for affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure.
Douglas Mukwaya, CEO of Douglas Events Ltd, described the expo as a groundbreaking initiative that will reshape Uganda’s housing and urban development landscape.
“We are honored to welcome our partners from government agencies, including the Uganda Land Commission and the National Housing and Construction Company, as well as professional bodies such as the Uganda Society of Architects, the Surveyors Registration Board, and UNABSEC. Our NGO partners, notably Habitat for Humanity Uganda, have also been instrumental in championing decent and affordable housing for all,” he said.
Mukwaya applauded the private sector for its role in driving growth in the real estate industry. Key partners include Centum Real Estate, developers of Pearl Marina and Mirembe Villas; KCB Bank; Housing Finance Bank; Regal Paints; Liquid Intelligent Technologies; MTN Uganda; Fakhruddin Properties; and Universal Multipurpose Enterprises, among others.
He noted that the expo will serve as Uganda’s premier real estate platform, bringing together players from across the East African region to deliberate on sustainable housing models, innovative financing, and new technologies.
Uganda’s real estate sector contributes about 11 percent to the national GDP, with residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments registering steady growth.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the real estate and construction sector accounted for 20.3 percent of total approved credit in FY 2022/23—second only to household loans—reflecting investor confidence and resilience despite monetary tightening.
However, affordability remains a pressing challenge. High costs of construction materials, dependence on imported inputs, and limited access to innovative financing continue to hinder low-income housing developments.
Financial sector representatives reaffirmed their commitment to bridging this gap. Mr. Isaac Mukiibi, Head of Mortgages at KCB Bank Uganda, said the bank will provide flexible mortgage solutions, trusted developer partnerships, and on-site financial guidance during the expo. “At KCB, we are not just financing homes, we are building legacies and shaping Uganda’s real estate future,” he said.
Similarly, Ms. Sandra Kanyiginya, Marketing Manager at Regal Paints, pledged continued support to the housing sector, urging the public to embrace the event as a platform for discovering new possibilities in real estate development.
The Uganda Real Estate and Housing Expo 2025 is expected to become an annual fixture, fostering dialogue, innovation, and investment in one of the country’s fastest-growing economic sectors.