Real estate developers have been urged to embrace the latest technologies on the international market to boost the country’s construction sector.
The call was made at the opening of a three-day Uganda Buildcon International Expo happening at the UMA Show grounds Lugogo in Kampala under the theme: “Connect with the construction industry to build a better tomorrow”
Ms Judith Nabakooba, Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD), who presided over the opening ceremony as chief guest noted that the housing sector contributes 12 percent to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and pledged on behalf of the government to continue supporting it.
“We are progressing well with supporting the real estate sector with a proper legal framework that will enable it to realize its investment goals. This includes offering incentives to the private sector in your quest to recoup your investments,” she said.
She noted that the government has put in place different policies and laws to provide tenuous security for everyone with the hope in the private sector being the lead in creative housing solutions.
The policies are; National Housing Policy, which provides a framework for housing development in Uganda, and National Urban Policy, which provides a framework for managing the urbanization process in the country.
Others are; the Condominium Property Act which provides for vertical housing development, especially in the urban areas, to help contain the urban sprawl, the Physical Planning Act, Energy Efficiency Guidelines in buildings, and the establishment of 23 Ministerial Zonal Offices that have brought land services nearer to the people among others.
Nabakooba said with the continued support, her ministry is looking at bridging the gap of a housing deficit of 2.1 million houses.
“We aim to make sure Ugandans get access to the latest products, machinery, and technologies. As such, something that takes three months can be made in one month,” said Vijayanka Brighuvansi, the Director of Exhibition Organising and Promoting Company of India.
Vijayanka said the expo was started in 2022 to help businesses in the housing and construction sector understand and embrace the leading products and technologies.
“This is the third edition but before the expo was introduced to Uganda, Ugandans in the business had to travel to various countries to understand the latest advancement,” Mr Brighuvansi said.
International players in the sector have been brought on board to showcase various technologies for the local community and the stakeholders to know about the latest things going on in the industry. They do not have to put in their time, effort, and energy to go to other countries to learn about them.
The expo has attracted 130 local and international companies. The number has increased from 80 companies in 2022.
Mr Namit Gupta, Director of Futurex Group, applauded all the partners for their commitment to supporting the expo in all the countries where it is held.
The Uganda Buildcon International Expo is the international trade exhibition for the building and construction industry in Uganda.
The event showcases a wide range of machinery, tools, materials, architecture, interiors, engineering, manufacturing, and allied products and services.
