The Buganda Kingdom Minister for Lands and Properties David Mpanga has toured newly constructed affordable homes built for women who previously lived in informal settlements in Kisenyi.
The housing units were developed by Shelter Settlement Alternative for members of the Kwefaako Housing Cooperative located along Ssentema Road in Bujuuko.
The visit aimed to assess progress and explore how the Kingdom can scale up similar initiatives to provide safe and affordable housing for residents living in informal settlements in Kampala and surrounding areas.
The initiative aligns with the vision of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who has consistently advocated for improved living conditions for his subjects. The Kingdom has been promoting access to housing through subsidised construction models on leased land to make homeownership more attainable.
During the tour, Mpanga said the Kabaka’s guidance provides a clear framework for addressing the challenge of informal settlements by ensuring houses are built and offered at affordable prices.
“All key stakeholders including residents, landowners, construction experts, financial advisors and legal counsel are involved to ensure the success of this Kingdom-led programme,” he noted, adding that the project is expected to expand to Busiro and Kyaddondo counties.
The Executive Director of Shelter Settlement Alternative Dorothy Baziwe explained that each beneficiary made an initial deposit before beginning construction.
Through this model, the women constructed 24 homes valued at about Shs 26 million each. The houses comprise two bedrooms, a sitting room, a kitchen and a bathroom. Beneficiaries are required to make monthly payments of Shs 70,000 until the total contribution is cleared.
Baziwe said she was encouraged by the women’s commitment to meeting their payment obligations, enabling them to transition into safer and more dignified living conditions.
Busiro County Chief Charles Kiberu Kisiriiza also praised the initiative, describing it as a sustainable and modern housing solution that could be replicated across Buganda.
Other stakeholders present included representatives from the Buganda Land Board and Namulondo Investments Ltd, among them Robert Kiggundu, Dr. Ian Ssenkatuuka, Maria Namuyaba Walakira and Trevor Tomusange.
The affordable housing initiative reflects Buganda Kingdom’s broader efforts to improve urban living standards through community participation, institutional support and professional oversight.
