The inaugural Uganda Real Estate & Housing Expo (UREHE) 2025, a landmark event for the country’s real estate and housing sector, has officially been launched at the Uganda Media Centre. The expo will take place from September 26–28, 2025, at Kati Kati Grounds, Lugogo, Kampala.
Organised by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in partnership with Douglas Events Ltd and other key stakeholders, the event will run under the theme: “Resilient by Design, Affordable by Intent: Shaping the Future of Real Estate.”
Addressing Uganda’s Housing Needs
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Dave Khayangayanga, the Acting Director of the Housing Directorate representing the State Minister for Lands and Housing, Hon. Persis Namuganza, said the expo aims to bring together government leaders, investors, developers, innovators, and the private sector to explore opportunities in real estate, discuss market trends, and showcase sustainable construction practices, financing solutions, and emerging technologies shaping the sector’s future.
“Uganda faces a housing deficit of approximately 2.4 million units, with low-income earners most affected. There is a pressing need for inclusive and affordable housing solutions,” he emphasised.
Khayangayanga noted that Uganda’s urban population is growing at 5.2% annually, creating increased demand for affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure. He added that the expo will serve as a critical platform for unlocking real estate potential and ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for all citizens.
A Game-Changing Initiative
Douglas Mukwaya, CEO of Douglas Events Ltd, described the expo as a groundbreaking initiative that will transform approaches to housing and urban development in Uganda.
“We are honored to partner with government agencies such as the Uganda Land Commission and the National Housing and Construction Company, professional bodies including the Uganda Society of Architects, the Surveyors Registration Board, and UNABSEC, as well as NGO partners like Habitat for Humanity Uganda who tirelessly champion affordable and decent housing,” Mukwaya said.
He also recognized the private sector partners driving growth in Uganda’s real estate market, including Centum Real Estate (developers of Pearl Marina & Mirembe Villas), Footsteps Furniture, KCB Bank, Housing Finance Bank, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Universal Multipurpose Enterprises, Fakhruddin Properties, Pool Doctors (U) Ltd, Bulwadda Real Estates, Regal Paints and MTN Uganda.
“These partners continue to invest in innovation and housing solutions that shape Uganda’s real estate future,” Mukwaya added.
A Premier Platform for Real Estate
The Uganda Real Estate & Housing Expo 2025 is expected to attract over 300 exhibitors and more than 5,000 visitors from across East Africa. It will provide a networking platform for policymakers, developers, investors, technology innovators, and communities to collaborate on sustainable housing solutions.
Uganda’s real estate sector currently contributes about 11% to the national GDP. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the real estate and construction sector accounted for 20.3% of total approved credit in FY 2022/23—second only to household loans—demonstrating strong investor confidence despite tighter monetary conditions.
While mixed-use developments, affordable housing models, and technology-driven construction continue to reshape Uganda’s urban landscape, challenges such as high construction costs, import dependency, and limited access to green financing remain barriers to inclusive growth, particularly for low-income housing.
At the press launch, Mr. Isaac Mukiibi, Head of Mortgages at KCB Bank Uganda, pledged the bank’s commitment to supporting homeownership through flexible mortgage solutions, partnerships with trusted developers like Bakaima Real Estates and Reportage, and on-the-spot financial guidance during the expo.
“At KCB Bank, we are not just financing homes; we are building legacies and shaping Uganda’s real estate future,” Mukiibi said.
Sandra Kanyiginya, Marketing Manager at Regal Paints, also urged the public to attend the expo and embrace its vision, noting that Regal Paints remains committed to inspiring innovation in Uganda’s housing sector.
