Be innovative and empower the population

Aug 12, 2022 - 16:26
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Be innovative and empower the population

By John Kusolo

The state Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Princess Persis Namuganza calls upon investors worldwide to contribute to the development of the building and construction sector.

She made the remarks while officially opening the Uganda Buildcon international Expo 2022 at UMA Show grounds, Lugogo, in Kampala, Uganda. It will run from 11th – 13th August 2022 and will be held annually in the month of August.

She Says such Expos create a platform to interface with clients to buy innovative solutions in the sector. She revealed that the housing deficit in Africa is 53.8 million houses which is alarming and called upon developers in this sector to bridge the gap.

She adds that government will manage the policy challenges of frontier technologies. There should be deliberate national innovative systems. The building and construction industry contribute to 12% of GDP and has steadily been growing for the last 20 years. Because of rapid urbanization, there is demand in the construction industry and called upon investors to take advantage by helping people acquire decent and affordable accommodation. This will create employment and reduce poverty in line with vision 2040.

She added that decent accommodation empowers the population. Uganda has a housing deficit of 2.3 million housing units and it requires a lot of concerted efforts to establish partnerships through private sector players and government.

Government allocated 16.2% of the national budget to infrastructure development, the largest allocation of any sector. Meanwhile, Daniel Kayongo the Brand Manager Kansai Plascon says they pride themselves in being the leading paint company in Uganda. “Through innovation, quality, product range and color solutions, Kansai Plascon has products that solve each and every need in the coating and paint world. He calls upon customers to visit their stall at the expo to be exposed about their services.

Kansai Plascon has innovations and solutions for service preparation, undercoat, topcoat and also have innovative solutions to problems that have existed in Uganda for a long time.

They repair dumb and damaged walls that were affected by water, poor prime surfaces, and have solutions to automotive needs of cars. They are also embarking on a project with a train company and with shipping lines.

The CEO of National Housing and Construction Company Ltd Eng. Kaijuka Kenneth say that 59 years of existence has made them realize the importance of building. “No one can exist without a house,” he said. There is need of 300,000 housing units annually which is good for the sector,” he revealed. He calls upon all partners to join hands with them. Though NHCC is predominantly based in urban centers, he called upon investors to target the newly created cities in Uganda so as to afford decent accommodation in the countryside. The housing industry has the largest supply chain and it comes with employment and business opportunities.

Dr. Senabulya Emmanuel President Uganda Society of Architects says that through creating awareness particularly on the 2020 Building Control Act will help Ugandans appreciate the sector.

“You do not need to travel from upcountry to Kampala to get a planner but they are now decentralized countrywide,” he noted. Meanwhile, Dr. Paul Kyalimpa the Deputy Executive Director Uganda Investment Authority says there is a housing unit gap, limited construction capacity, skiils, personnel, and equipment to undertake construction projects.

He adds that there are limited innovations to improve longevity including those that adapt to the environment. Environmental friendly materials should be used for construction.

Also, he called for lowering the cost of raw materials to make housing and construction affordable to low income earners. He says that if possible, we can invest in temporary housing or mobile houses so that when you move to a different area, you go with your house. He called upon the investors to come to Uganda.

About THE ORGANISERS

FUTUREX TRADE FAIR AND EVENTS PVT. LTD. aims at providing an ideal business platform through Exhibitions, Seminars, Corporate Events and Get together. Their strength lies in understanding the industry’s needs and interest to serve it properly and multi-dimensional activities to make it the most viable business platform. With professional approach and expert manpower, the offered platforms are recognised as a safe bet by the industry professionals. Futurex Trade Fair and Events PVT. LTD. believe in the philosophy of making exhibition most sustainable and cost effective mode of business activity with the perfect blend of best manufacturers and potential industry buyers from around the world.

EXHIBITIONS AND TRADE SERVICES INDIA PVT. LTD. is an exhibition organising company based at Navi Mumbai, India. It is professionally committed to deliver best trade services in the industry through pool of talented people. They offer complete solutions to organise trade fairs in Domestic and International markets.

They have an extensive database encompassing a wide cross section of products and sectors. Additionally, they have a good rapport with Trade Associations and Export Promotion Councils/ Chambers from India. Such relations help further their goal of increasing Indian participation at international events.

John Kusolo John Kusolo, a Ugandan Journalist, Sport fanatic, Tourist, Pastor, and Motivational Speaker. I am passionate about my work with a steady source of motivation that drives me to do my best. I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenge and constantly set goals for myself, so I have something to strive toward. Socials: John Kusolo on facebook and Twitter.