The government has warned owners of dilapidated buildings and houses that they could face demolition as authorities move to enforce standards for buildings in cities and municipalities.
Persis Namuganza, the Minister of State for Lands (Housing), said the government is determined to ensure that buildings meet the required standards as part of efforts to improve the appearance and planning of urban areas.
Namuganza was speaking at a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre ahead of the second edition of the Uganda Real Estate and Housing Expo, scheduled for 25-26 September at Kingdom Kampala Gardens.
She said the government would step up enforcement under the implementation of the cities and municipalities infrastructure development arrangements to improve urban infrastructure and ensure that buildings comply with required standards.
“Old buildings that look too old are not allowed, and we encourage people with financial inadequacies to partner with potential people under public-private partnership arrangements,” Namuganza said.
She warned that property owners who cannot afford to renovate or redevelop their buildings should consider partnerships with investors rather than allowing properties to remain in poor condition.
The minister said the planned enforcement is part of broader efforts to promote orderly urban development and ensure that cities and municipalities have safe and properly planned buildings.
Namuganza also said the government was preparing to strengthen the implementation of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 2022, which provides a legal framework for the relationship between landlords and tenants.
The law applies to residential and business premises and sets out responsibilities for both landlords and tenants. It commenced on June 17, 2022.
Namuganza said disagreements between landlords and tenants remain common, with some landlords accused of evicting tenants without following the required procedures, while some tenants refuse to vacate premises even after receiving notices.
“Landlords violate the rights of tenants in many ways, like evicting them without proper orders, while on the other hand tenants also decide to refuse to vacate the house or building even when they have notice to vacate,” she said.
She said clearer enforcement of the law would help address such disputes and protect the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
The second edition of the housing expo will be held under the theme, “Adequate Housing for All”.
Organisers say the event will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities, new technologies and innovations, housing finance and challenges affecting the property sector.
The expo will also focus on ways of unlocking Uganda’s real estate potential, promoting orderly urban growth and improving land-use planning while increasing access to affordable housing.
More than 100 exhibitors from at least 10 countries are expected to participate in the two-day event, according to the organisers.
Participants will include property developers, investors, financial institutions, construction companies, architects, planners, valuers, surveyors, technology companies, government agencies and other professionals.
The event comes at a time when Uganda continues to face a major shortage of housing.
Government estimates put the national housing deficit at about 2.4 million housing units, with the shortage affecting both urban and rural areas.
