By Caroline.N
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has signed into law three significant pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening regulation, improving access to housing finance and professionalising Uganda’s construction and property sectors. The signing ceremony took place at State House Entebbe, marking what government officials described as a major milestone in reforming the country’s built environment.
The newly enacted laws are the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2025, the Mortgage Refinance Institutions Act, 2025, and the Valuation Act, 2025. Together, they are expected to tighten oversight in construction, expand long-term mortgage financing and establish clearer standards for property valuation.
The amended Building Control law introduces tougher penalties for illegal construction and non-compliance with approved building plans. Authorities have in recent years raised concerns over the proliferation of unregulated structures, some of which have collapsed due to substandard workmanship or failure to meet safety standards.
Under the new provisions, enforcement agencies will have expanded powers to inspect construction sites, halt unlawful developments and ensure that developers adhere strictly to approved architectural and engineering designs. Government officials say the reforms are intended to reduce incidents of structural failure, safeguard lives and protect investments.
Urban planners and engineers have welcomed the changes, noting that rapid urbanisation has increased pressure on regulatory systems. As towns and cities continue to expand, ensuring that buildings meet safety and environmental standards has become increasingly urgent.
The Mortgage Refinance Institutions Act introduces a legal framework to regulate institutions that refinance home loans. By enabling a structured secondary mortgage market, the law is designed to unlock liquidity for financial institutions and make long-term housing loans more affordable.
Access to mortgage finance has historically been limited for many Ugandans due to high interest rates and short repayment periods. With the new framework in place, policymakers anticipate more competitive lending rates and longer repayment tenures, making home ownership more attainable for middle-income earners.
The reforms also provide for oversight by the central bank, ensuring that refinance institutions operate within clear prudential guidelines. Analysts believe this will strengthen confidence in the housing finance sector and attract additional investment into real estate development.
The Valuation Act establishes a structured system for the registration and regulation of professional valuers. It provides for the creation of a governing body responsible for setting ethical standards, accrediting practitioners and enforcing compliance within the valuation profession.
Accurate and transparent property valuation is critical for mortgage lending, land transactions and taxation. Inconsistent valuations have previously led to disputes between buyers, sellers and financial institutions. By formalising professional standards, the government aims to enhance credibility and fairness within the property market.
Officials say the three laws form part of a broader strategy to modernise Uganda’s housing and infrastructure framework. With urban populations steadily rising, the demand for safe housing, organised settlements and reliable financing mechanisms has intensified.
Stakeholders in the construction industry have largely welcomed the legislative reforms, describing them as timely and necessary. However, they have emphasised that effective implementation will be essential to achieve meaningful change. Adequate funding for enforcement bodies, public awareness campaigns and coordination among regulatory agencies will be critical in translating the laws into practical outcomes.
As the new Acts come into force, attention now shifts to enforcement and capacity building. If properly implemented, the reforms could significantly improve building safety standards, expand home ownership opportunities and strengthen professionalism within Uganda’s real estate sector.
The signing of the three laws signals a decisive step towards creating a more regulated, transparent and sustainable housing and construction environment — one that balances economic growth with public safety and consumer protection.