Housing goes beyond just the structure where we sleep—it encompasses the environment around us and the availability of basic services that make life possible, such as sanitation, water, drainage systems, waste management, and food security.
Kampala as the capital of Uganda is experiencing a drastic population increase of the people from rural areas and those from other countries which puts the available housing and essential basic services at a risk more so in the informal settlements. Under the home equals campaign; a global advocacy for increasing access to equitable housing within the informal settlements, Habitat for Humanity Uganda in partnership with ACTogether Uganda, the secretariat to the national slum dwellers federation of Uganda has used municipal forum as a platform to engaged leaders, partners and resident representatives within the informal settlements of Nakawa, Kawempe, and Lubaga municipalities from 19th to 21st February 2025 to;
- Celebrate the urbanising trends globally and nationally.
- Share the emerging challenge of housing and essential basic services within informal settlements.
- Discuss opportunities for collaborative participation among stake holders.
- Discuss key actions to share with local leaders and policy makers regarding housing and essential basic services.
This initiative aims to raise awareness of urbanisation trends, challenges, and opportunities, while also providing a space for leaders, partners, and policymakers to interface with residents of informal settlements.
“Our authority as local leaders has been watered down by the municipal leaders regarding the planning for our settlements yet we are the leaders on the ground who really know the schematics of our communities…” local chairperson of Katoogo zone Bwaise in Kawempe municipality expressed his worries in Kawempe municipal forum which was supported by his fellow local leaders of different settlements in their views during the session.
As we consider the future of equitable housing, it’s essential to recognise the roles played by policy makers, municipal authorities, local leaders, and residents. How can these key stakeholders collaborate more effectively to ensure that affordable, inclusive housing becomes a reality for all communities?"
