Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Celebrates World Habitate Day

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Uganda will celebrate World Habitate Day on Thursday 5th October 2023 at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, Kampala.

Hon. Judith Nabakoob the Lands Minister while briefing the media about International Habitat Day, and other Land related matters said, "The theme for this year’s World Habitat Day is “Resilient urban economies. Cities as drivers of growth and recovery."

"This year's theme is relevant in that it draws attention to governments and all stakeholders to see how they can position their economies to benefit residents," Nabakooba said.

The United Nations General Assembly resolution of 17th December 1985 set aside the first Monday of October each year to be observed worldwide as World Habitat Day. "Uganda is marking this day on Thursday 5th October 2023 to allow our partners to fully participate," the minister said.

In the same breath, the Lands Ministry in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Uganda will be hosting the second edition of the Uganda Housing Symposium under the theme; “Affordable Housing in Urban Informal Settlements as a Driver for Economic Growth.’’

The first National Housing Symposium was held in October 2022 and the stakeholders endorsed that a national-level forum be jointly convened annually to bring all key actors together to address the escalating housing deficit. 

The ministry has initiated a number of developments in land, housing and urband development sectors which include, "Implementation of the National Housing Policy, which provides a framework for housing development in the country. Stakeholders will also be sensitized on their roles and responsibilities with regard to housing development in the country," Nabakooba elaborated.

Implementation of the Condominium Act, 2001, which allows people to own and acquire security of tenure for their individual units in high-rise apartments thus promoting optimal use of land, increasing security of tenure and accesses to decent housing.

In conclusion Hon Nabakooba said the government would like to urge all stake holders to address the challenges facing affordable housing across all communities in the country.