Residential property prices in Kampala and Wakiso have continued to rise sharply, reflecting growing demand for housing in Uganda’s key urban centres, according to the latest Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Residential Property Price Index report.
The report shows that annual residential property inflation increased to 9.2 percent in the year ending June 2026, up from 4.7 percent in the previous quarter, signalling a strong rebound in property values across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA).
The increase was largely driven by a recovery in Kampala Central and Makindye, where residential property prices rose by 2.0 percent in the year-ending second quarter of 2026, reversing a 10.2 percent decline recorded in the first quarter. Kawempe and Rubaga also registered stronger growth, with residential property inflation rising to 9.5 percent, up from 6.4 percent in the previous quarter.
Other areas recorded mixed trends. Wakiso District maintained the highest price growth at 16.9 percent, though slightly lower than 18.3 percent in the first quarter. Nakawa registered 5.8 percent, down from 7.8 percent, indicating a moderation in price increases.
On an annual average basis, the UBOS report indicates that residential property inflation for 2025 rose to 5.6 percent, compared to 4.6 percent in 2024. This growth was mainly driven by Wakiso, where property prices jumped 11.6 percent in 2025, up from 2.1 percent in 2024. Significant increases were also recorded in Kawempe and Rubaga (7.8 percent from 2.5 percent) and Nakawa (6.2 percent from 2.3 percent). In contrast, Kampala Central and Makindye experienced a decline, with property inflation falling to -2.2 percent in 2025, compared to 9.4 percent the previous year.
Quarterly figures show residential property inflation in the GKMA rose by 2.6 percent in the second quarter of 2026, slightly lower than the 2.9 percent increase recorded in the first quarter.
During the quarter, Kampala Central and Makindye registered a 4.6 percent increase, up from 1.4 percent previously, while Nakawa accelerated to 5.7 percent from 1.5 percent. Kawempe and Rubaga reversed a 1.7 percent decline in the first quarter to post a 2.7 percent increase.
Wakiso recorded a marginal 0.2 percent rise, following a strong 7.3 percent increase in the preceding quarter.
According to UBOS, the observed movements reflect rising demand for residential properties in key urban areas, driven by urbanization, population growth, and increased construction activity.
The surge in property prices benefits homeowners and investors through higher asset values and improved returns on real estate investments.
However, the report also highlights emerging affordability pressures, particularly for first-time buyers and low- to middle-income households, as housing costs rise faster than incomes in prime urban locations.
While the residential property market in Kampala and Wakiso continues to present strong opportunities for developers and investors, the report underscores the need for policies promoting affordable housing, balanced urban development, and sustainable growth, to ensure rising property values do not lock out ordinary Ugandans from home ownership.