Housing is a basic human right, essential for the well-being of all mankind. The 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, under the General Social and Economic Objectives, guarantees to fulfill the fundamental rights of all Ugandans to social justice, economic development, enjoying rights and opportunities, and access to clean and safe water, health, and decent shelter amongst others. The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (1986) recognizes the right to adequate housing and shelter as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights In the same vain, the East African Community Treaty also recognizes the right to adequate housing. The Government of Uganda recognizes the strategic social and economic importance of housing in the national economy and particularly to the socio-economic transformation of the country as highlighted in Vision 2040. It is the Government’s policy to ensure that every family lives in a decent and affordable house that meets the necessary requirements of safety, security of tenure, health, privacy, and protection from weather adversities. 

The overall housing situation in the country is characterized by inadequate housing in terms of quality and quantity both in rural and urban areas with a housing deficit estimated at 2.4 million housing units. An estimated 900,000 housing units are substandard and need replacement or upgrading.  By 2022, Uganda’s population is projected to be about 48 million. The population growth is expected to require more than 3 million more housing units.