The Government, through the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, is set to introduce a “Rent to Own” policy designed to help citizens without adequate housing attain their own homes. This initiative will be executed in collaboration with private investors under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
Housing State Minister Hon Persis Namuganza disclosed the government’s intentions to start acquiring land in different urban regions for constructing housing units that the public can buy.
“The government is considering launching a project under the PPP (Private Public Partnership) in which developers have already shown interest. Some of them have met with the President, who has directed them to the Ministry of Finance to examine the costs associated with their housing units,” she stated.
This announcement coincided with Namuganza’s participation in the St Stevens prayers held at her home in Kiralira Village, located in Kitoba sub-county in Hoima. The prayers were led by the Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara diocese, Rt Reverend Jacob Ateirweho.
Additionally, this program will allow tenants renting these homes to purchase them if they choose, over a span of 15 years. This will facilitate their transition from renters to homeowners.
“We aim to introduce what we call rent to own, where quality houses will be constructed and offered to the public, and similar to paying rent upon moving in, the payments will go to the government, but ultimately the house will belong to them. Therefore, within a period of about 10-15 years, the house will belong to that individual,” she further explained.
The Minister’s comments come in response to concerns highlighted by the recently released census data regarding the lack of housing availability in urban settings.
During this service, Bishop Jacob Ateirweho encouraged congregants to reflect the virtues demonstrated by St Steven, stressing the significance of community and mutual support in light of the current social challenges.
