BY S D KASULE
In an effort to address the pressing issue of informal settlements in Uganda, Habitat for Humanity’s Uganda chapter has rolled out an advocacy campaign named “Home Equals” to eliminate slums and enhance the living conditions of millions in the country.
Uganda currently faces a critical challenge with approximately 7 million individuals residing in informal settlements, and this number is projected to rise due to rural-to-urban migration. “Home Equals” aims to transform these lives through a comprehensive policy changes at municipal, national, and regional levels.
Under the “Home Equals” campaign, advocates will engage with slum dwellers, local leaders, policy makers, and implementers, with a primary focus on changing mindsets regarding living conditions.
“The campaign aims to achieve this through secure land tenure, empowered community participation, and access to essential services, says Robert Otim Habitat For Humanity Uganda Managing Director.
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While addressing journalists in Kampala, he added that It’s firmly believed that addressing these issues can effectively combat poverty, enhance health and education, and create opportunities for all.
A report by Habitat for Humanity International, indicate that the challenge of informal settlements is a global concern, with estimates suggesting that by 2030, one in every seven people worldwide will reside in such settlements. Rapid urbanization is a driving force behind this trend, with over half of the global population projected to live in cities and towns by 2030.
Access to safe drinking water and sanitation remains a significant challenge for many in these areas, and secure land tenure is often lacking, the report adds.
Addressing the affordability challenge in housing is a key focus of the campaign. Informal settlements struggle with providing affordable housing, with formal units being significantly more expensive.
According to Otim, investing in affordable housing not only alleviates poverty but also stimulates economic growth by creating employment opportunities and boosting local businesses.
For the promotion of this campaign, the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Uganda, will host the Uganda Housing Symposium. It will focus on “Affordable Housing in Urban Informal Settlements as a Driver of Economic Growth.”
This event will aim at exploring solutions that can turn affordable housing projects into catalysts for micro-enterprise development within these settlements.
Access to affordable housing directly impacts the health and education of residents. PAUL mayende, the Habitat For humanity communication and advocacy manager higlits that adequate housing provides a safe and healthy environment, reducing disease prevalence and improving overall well-being.
He adds that stable housing enhances school attendance rates, leading to better educational outcomes and a more educated workforce, essential for economic growth.
Affordable housing initiatives, are also looked at as drivers of infrastructural development in urban informal settlements. And mayende says Housing projects necessitate improved infrastructure such as road networks, water and sanitation facilities, and electricity supply, which enhancements not only improve residents’ quality of life but also attract further investments and economic activities to these areas.
The “Home Equals” campaign, alongside other initiatives, represents a significant step towards improving living conditions in informal settlements, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall well-being of Uganda’s urban population.