Entebbe, Uganda | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assented to three new laws aimed at strengthening regulation of Uganda’s housing, mortgage financing and valuation sectors, in a move government says will support orderly urban development and expand access to affordable housing.
The laws are the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2025, the Mortgage Refinancing Institutions Act, and the Valuation Act.
According to State House, the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2025 provides for the composition and powers of the Building Control Board, the structure of Building Committees, and streamlines procedures for the approval of building and occupation permits.
The law also increases penalties for individuals who undertake construction without valid building permits and introduces mechanisms to address delays where Building Committees fail to make timely decisions on permit applications.
The Mortgage Refinancing Institutions Act establishes a legal framework for the creation and regulation of mortgage refinancing institutions.
It outlines the role of the Central Bank in supervising mortgage refinance business, sets rules for operations, and provides for corrective actions and liquidation where necessary.
Under the law, mortgage refinancing institutions will be required to provide long-term funding—of at least five years—to primary mortgage lenders through refinancing or pre-financing mortgage portfolios.
Government says this will enable banks and other lenders to offer mortgages at more affordable interest rates, with manageable instalments, longer repayment periods and grace periods for borrowers, ultimately improving access to affordable housing.
Meanwhile, the Valuation Act provides for the statutory role of the Office of the Chief Government Valuer and establishes the Institute of Certified Valuers of Uganda, with a governing council to regulate the valuation profession.
The law introduces mandatory membership for practicing valuers, a professional code of ethics, valuation standards, and clear offenses and penalties related to valuation practice.
Government officials say the Act is intended to professionalise and regulate valuation services in Uganda, ensuring credible, high-quality valuations that support public administration, land management and investment.
The three laws are expected to play a key role in improving housing development, financing and governance as Uganda continues to urbanise.