Challenges faced in housing of the low income population in Kampala city: A case study of Namuwongo-Soweto.

Abstract

This report explores through the challenges faced in housing low income groups or the urban poor in Kampala specifically Namuwongo-Soweto. The objectives of the study were; find out the current players in housing provision for the low income population in Namuwongo-Soweto; analyze the methods of housing provision by existing housing developers for the low income market; find out the challenges faced by the current housing providers in the study area and suggest strategies and recommendations for addressing the identified challenges. Random and purposive sampling was used to select the interviewees to administer questionnaires. Sample size of 61 was used to due to time constraint and the scope of the study. This therefore implies that the researcher interviewed 56 community members, 1 local area chairperson, physical planner Makindye division, and 1 representative from the CBOs and 2 representatives of NGOs. The tools used included questionnaires, pens, notebooks and camera. The data collected was organized and analyzed using SPSS and presented in form of explanatory texts, tables, pictures and pie charts. The study findings indicated that the current players in housing provision in the study area was mainly small scale private landlords, the eviction threat was however too high for tenants. Method of housing provision was mainly small scale incremental building. The research concluded by realizing the importance of housing the poor as it could be one of the ways of alleviating poverty in Uganda and that rental housing should be well managed so as to address the problem of housing the urban poor. Based on the findings, the researcher made the following recommendations; streamline the land tenure system, provision of low interest building finance, prioritizing development of rental housing, community participation, investment in institutional housing, provision of subsidized building materials, incremental upgrading rather than resettlement and bulldozing among others.