Uganda to celebrate World Habitat Day with a call for decent housing
Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Lands Housing & Urban Development says Ugandans will on Friday 7th October 2022 at Speke Resort Munyonyo mark the World Habitat Day. She says that Ugandans need affordable and inclusive solutions to address the decent housing shortage and proper land use is one of them. The activities started on 3rd October 2022 worldwide as celebrations are held annually every 1st Monday of October.
On 17th December 1985, a resolution was passed by the UN and since then the day has been observed worldwide. This year’s activities were held in Turkey. But Uganda pushed the national celebrations to 7th October 2022, where a National Housing Symposium will be held to allow all partners in the Housing sector to fully participate.
It provides all countries, communities, all stakeholders to reflect on the state of human settlements. It is a reminder to the world of its collective responsibility as all stakeholders are reminded to cause reflection, recommit themselves and marshal resources. It is time to improve the state of housing.
In 2022, World Habitat Day (WHD 2022) under the theme "Mind the Gap. Leave No One and Place Behind" which looks at the problem of growing inequality and challenges in cities and human settlements.
Hon. Nabakooba says that the symposium will discuss inequalities and vulnerabilities brought about by Triple C: COVID-19, Climate Change and conflicts which have reversed years of progress made against the fight against poverty but remain poor.
She adds that others have become poor because of pandemic. In 2020, the number of poor people was 119 million – 124 million and in 2021, it was between 143 million -163 million. Minister Judith Nabakooba says that tracking and tackling urban poverty and inequality have become an urgent priority. They are very relevant as they grapple with this situation.
Also, Climate change as seen in Rwenzori and Bugisu regions has adverse effects on the housing sector.
Nabakooba revealed that Uganda has a deficit of 2.4 million housing units and says that the problems affecting the sector should be addressed from a multi-sectoral approach involving financial institutions, CSOs, community based organisations, Investment and community saving groups. Other discussions will be on formal housing finance for affordable housing.
Land use planning is very key and must be appropriated. Nabakooba said that her Ministry has developed a comprehensive national fiscal development plan. Institutional housing is also being looked at for the armed forces, health, and education sectors which will be improved. Models are being developed to retain critical staff in hard-to-reach areas by offering them decent houses. Besides, green housing is key in lowering greenhouse effects.
Habitat for humanity emphasizes rainwater harvesting in rural areas. Slums and dire living conditions, providing unprecedented opportunities to make cities resilient will also be part of the agenda during the symposium. Hon. Nabakooba says that SACCOs and saving groups can play a critical role in getting finances through PDM.
Change for urban setting goes beyond adequate housing but also education, public health, safety, and economic opportunities for all. The symposium will basically put emphasis on affordable housing solutions for all.
It is a high level gathering, bring together national and international heads, government officials, property developers, contractors, academia, and outstanding members of society. The affordable housing symposium will provide a venue for housing, a platform to address cross cutting problems, and youth and gender issues will be discussed. It is an environment to discuss best housing practises, showcase innovations for decent, affordable, and inclusive housing. The symposium is organised by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development together with Habitat for Humanity Uganda who are celebrating 40 years of service in Uganda.
Hon. Nabakooba revealed the other undertakings being done by her ministry which include the following; Implementation of condominium Act 2001: Securing tenure for individual units.
Implementing the National Slum strategy and plan 2008: To improve living conditions of slum dwellers through a multi sectoral approach. National Housing Policy 2016.
National Urban Forum: Discuss housing issues.
Landlord Tenant Act: Improve on implementation.
Implementation of National Fiscal Planning Act 2010 as amended.
Implementing National Land Policy 2013.
Implementing National Urban Policy 2017.
Implementing the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID ) additional funding programme for 11 municipalities, 10 cities and 8 refugee hosting districts.
Implement the computerised land information system to reduce the cost of doing business.
National Waste management policy for waste in the country.
Hon. Nabakobba hopes that implementation of different policies will address challenges faced by the housing sector in the country, housing delivery systems and plan better for the sector.
Meanwhile, Dave Khayangayanga, Director Housing at the Ministry of Lands, housing and Urban development revealed that the sector suffers when prices of materials increase but remedies are being put in place by different stakeholders to avert the harsh economic situation
