With current housing deficit of 2.7million due to ever increasing population in urban areas,Housing Finance Bank (HFB) has launched the ‘HFB Zimba Housing Challenge an ambitious initiative aimed at turning the dream of homeownership into reality for every Ugandan, particularly those in the low- and middle-income brackets.
The challenge was unveiled bringing together financial experts, beneficiaries, and development partners to explore innovative, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions.
Speaking during the launch Moses Mukiibi, one of the beneficiaries of the bank’s incremental housing loan, shared a touching personal testimony.
Ms. Annet Ssebugwawo Nakigudde, the Head of Finance at Housing Finance Bank, noted that the challenge targets Uganda’s informal sector, where many struggle to qualify for traditional mortgages.
“Affordability means different things to different people. For a boda rider earning about Shs 320,000 a month, a 100-million-shilling home is not realistic,” she said. “We are looking for solutions that enable even low-income earners to own decent, sustainable homes.”
She emphasized the need for creative, environmentally friendly construction methods—such as the use of bamboo, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy—to cut costs and promote sustainability.
“We want to see homes that cost between Shs 15 million and Shs 25 million—homes that are affordable, decent, and environmentally conscious,” Nakigudde added.
John Baptist Kaweesi, the Bank’s Head of Mortgages and Consumer Banking, linked the initiative to Uganda’s broader development goals under Vision 2040, which aims to grow the country’s GDP to $598 billion in the next 15 years.
“Housing remains a critical component of national development,” he said. “As we promote industrialization, tourism, and mining, we must also ensure that Ugandans have decent homes.”he stressed.
He revealed that the Zimba Mpola Mpola Challenge will have regional participation, engaging innovators, architects, developers, and researchers from across Uganda. Regional centers such as Kampala, Jinja, Gulu, and Mbale will serve as hubs for innovation, with four regional winners set to receive support to scale up their housing ideas.
“If we can come up with models that cost between Shs 15 and 30 million, we will have transformed communities and created jobs across the country,” Kaweesi said.
Ms. Doreen Nyiramugisha, Head of Marketing and Communications at Housing Finance Bank, reiterated the institution’s mission to finance a sustainable future for all Ugandans.
“Across the country, millions dream of owning a home, but many see it as an unattainable dream,” she said. “We are saying that it is possible. We are creative, resilient people, and if we work together—government, private sector, media, and citizens—we can make homeownership a reality for everyone.”
She added that the challenge will also seek to produce a model house design that is authentically Ugandan, affordable, and environmentally sustainable.
Ben Mwiine, Head of Corporate and Partnerships at Next Media, called on young people to begin thinking about homeownership early in life.
“Every young Ugandan should aim to own a home by the time they turn 45,” he said. “Through financial literacy and innovation, we can shift mindsets and make homeownership part of every Ugandan’s life plan.”
He reaffirmed Next Media’s partnership with Housing Finance Bank in spreading awareness and promoting the housing agenda through the upcoming Annual Housing Barazas.
As Uganda faces a growing housing deficit—estimated at over 2.4 million units—the Zimba Mpola Mpola Challenge offers a new approach: building incrementally, affordably, and sustainably.
For Mr. Mukiibi and thousands like him, the initiative represents more than just financial support—it is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
“If I had continued trying to save on my own, I would be renting today,” he said. “But with Zimba Mpola Mpola, I am building my dream, one brick at a time.
“In the beginning, owning a home was just a dream.I tried saving, but every time I reached a certain amount, emergencies would arise—a sick child, a sick parent—and the money would be used. One day I saw an advert on TV about the Zimba Mpola Mpola loan, and I decided to give it a try and it worked.”he stated.
Mukiibi, aresident of Namayumba in Wakiso District, is full of praises of Zimba Mpola loan that helped him build his house in stages—from foundation to roofing—through successive installments.
“The first loan was small, but it gave me hope. I paid it back, qualified for another, and step by step, I have now built a decent home for my family,” he said, expressing gratitude to Housing Finance Bank for empowering ordinary Ugandans to build dram houses.