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By Ben Musanje
As Uganda’s real estate sector continues to expand rapidly, industry leaders are demanding that the government speed up the implementation of critical regulatory measures to unlock investment and ensure sustainable growth.
Speaking ahead of the 14th Annual International Uganda Real Estate Investment Conference and Expo, key stakeholders in the sector called for urgent action to address challenges ranging from data gaps to the informality that hinders development.
At a press briefing held at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Shirley Kongai, President of the Association of Real Estate Agents (AREA) – Uganda, and Lazarus Mugabi, Board Director of the Ethics Committee at AREA, urged the government to formalize the sector and create a regulatory framework that would foster transparency and attract both local and foreign investors.
Urgent Need for Regulation
According to Kongai, Uganda’s real estate sector, which contributes 9.8% to the country’s GDP, remains largely informal.
Despite its crucial role in job creation and national development, Kongai noted that the lack of clear regulations creates a volatile environment for both investors and professionals.
“There’s a major gap in terms of data, formal regulation, and transparency in the sector,” Kongai said. “This lack of structure not only impacts investor confidence but also hinders our ability to create a professional, competitive environment where businesses can thrive.”
With Uganda’s urbanization rate on the rise, and nearly half of the population expected to live in cities by 2050, Kongai emphasized that the real estate sector is crucial to meeting the housing demands of a rapidly growing urban population.
Yet, she warned that without proper regulation, the sector could be stifled.
Investment Stifled by Informality
Lazarus Mugabi echoed Kongai’s concerns, highlighting that the lack of regulation and the persistence of informal practices make it difficult to attract serious investment into the sector.
“The absence of clear rules on electricity tariffs, zoning, and workforce protections makes it challenging for businesses to thrive. Investors need certainty and the current regulatory environment doesn’t provide that,” Mugabi said.
Mugabi also pointed out that stable electricity, urban planning, and effective zoning regulations are foundational to a thriving real estate market. Without addressing these key areas, he warned that Uganda’s potential for attracting international investment would remain limited.
Formalization: The Key to Sector Growth
Kongai called for a more formalized approach to real estate in Uganda, which she believes will not only foster investor confidence but also address the industry’s data shortcomings.
AREA is actively working to address the lack of transparency, but Kongai emphasized that government intervention is essential to bring the sector into alignment with international standards.
“We are in an era where data is key. But with limited information and a large informal market, it’s very difficult to make informed decisions,” she said. “The government needs to work with real estate bodies to formalize practices and establish a clear legal framework for the sector.”
International Support for Local Reforms
AREA has been partnering with international real estate organizations, including the National Association of Realtors (USA) and the Singapore Real Estate Association, to bring global best practices to Uganda.
But both Kongai and Mugabi made it clear that local leadership and regulatory reforms are needed to complement these international efforts.
“We need a regulatory framework that guarantees transparency and accountability,” Mugabi emphasized. “Without this, it’s hard to attract serious investors and ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.”
The Road Ahead: Zoning and Infrastructure
As Uganda’s cities expand, Kongai and Mugabi also highlighted the importance of integrating proper urban planning and zoning into the regulatory conversation.
They believe that these practices are essential to reducing development costs and ensuring that Uganda’s cities are built to accommodate future growth.
“Proper zoning now will help reduce development costs in the future,” Kongai said. “This will attract more investment and ensure that our cities are built sustainably.”
Focus on Regulation at the Conference
With the 14th Annual International Uganda Real Estate Investment Conference and Expo scheduled for December 4-5, 2025, in Kampala, the topic of sector regulation will be one of the main themes discussed.
The event will bring together real estate professionals, investors, developers, and policy makers from across the globe to share insights and explore ways to address the sector’s challenges.
“We hope this conference will bring attention to the urgent need for regulation and formalization in our sector,” Kongai said. “The future of Uganda’s real estate sector, and by extension, its economy, depends on it.”
For more information on the 14th Annual International Uganda Real Estate Investment Conference and Expo, visit the official website or contact AREA Uganda directly. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
