President Museveni has assented to three significant pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening regulation within Uganda’s construction, housing finance and valuation sectors.
The President signed into law the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2025, the Mortgage Refinance Institutions Act, 2025, and the Valuation Act, 2025 during a ceremony held at State House Entebbe.
The Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2025 introduces stricter penalties for illegal construction and non-compliance with approved building standards. The reforms are expected to enhance safety, accountability and enforcement, particularly in rapidly expanding urban centres.
Under the Mortgage Refinance Institutions Act, 2025, the Bank of Uganda is mandated to regulate mortgage refinance institutions. The move is intended to strengthen oversight within the housing finance sector and expand access to long-term mortgage financing for prospective homeowners.
Meanwhile, the Valuation Act, 2025 provides for the establishment of the Institute of Certified Valuers, which will oversee professional standards, registration and regulation of valuers in Uganda. The new framework seeks to professionalise the valuation industry and improve transparency in property transactions.
Government officials say the enactment of the three laws will streamline construction oversight, deepen the mortgage market and strengthen professional regulation in support of Uganda’s growing urban development and housing needs.
Uganda’s construction sector is experiencing rapid growth, contributing over 12% to GDP, driven by infrastructure projects, urbanisation, and high housing demand (300,000+ units needed annually). Key projects include oil-related developments, the Kampala-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway, and upgraded roads. Key challenges include high costs, low technology adoption, and reliance on old construction methods
However Uganda’s infrastructure needs remain substantial with a 10% annual growth rate in car ownership,
Uganda’s 2024 National Population and Housing Census revealed that at least 60% of Ugandans live in informal settlements or inadequate housing. With an estimated 300,000 housing units needed per year, commercial construction and residential construction in Uganda are booming to address the 2.6 million housing deficit.
In September 2025, Uganda’s parliament passed the Mortgage Refinancing Bill to improve access to mortgage facilities. The government allocated 14.6% of its 2025/26 national budget to transport and infrastructure. Uganda has limited domestic production of the equipment needed to develop large-scale infrastructure projects. Additionally, Uganda’s growing industries and service providers need larger and more modern sites, such as industrial zones, in which to operate.
