Uganda

Context at a glance

Happy at home in a new Habitat house

Uganda has a population of 23 million, 70 percent of whom live in sub-standard housing conditions. In urban areas this means slum dwellings, which are overpopulated and lack sanitation and drainage. Large families, unemployment and high exposure to disease and violence make life even worse. In the rural areas, families live in leaky houses infested with vermin and in need of constant repair. Most families have to walk long distances to access clean water from open wells and streams. In spite of the government’s ongoing efforts towards economic rehabilitation and improved infrastructure, poverty is far-reaching in Uganda and HIV/AIDS continues to orphan thousands of children.

Habitat for Humanity programme

HFH Uganda began in 1982 in Gulu, a district in Northern Uganda. It was later closed down as a result of rebel insurgency. The programme re-opened in Kasese district, Western Uganda. Kasese is still Habitat’s biggest area of operation in the country and currently has 2,024 Habitat houses. HFH Uganda is primarily operating in rural areas, spread throughout 19 districts with 47 building communities. Over 4,000 houses have been built to date.

Houses are four-roomed structures built out of burnt brick, sand, gravel, cement, and tin roofing. Houses are well ventilated and have windows and doors made out of timber trusses.

Habitat for Humanity is helping orphans and vulnerable children through a special project in South Africa.

Read about Habitat homeowner Matilda from Uganda.

Back to list of countries