By Kabugho Elias
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assented to three key pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening regulation and professional standards in Uganda’s construction, housing finance and valuation sectors.
The President signed into law the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2025; the Mortgage Refinance Institutions Act, 2025; and the Valuation Act, 2025 at State House Entebbe.
The newly enacted laws introduce tougher penalties for illegal construction and non-compliance with approved building standards, a move expected to enhance safety, enforce accountability and curb substandard developments in Uganda’s rapidly expanding urban centres.
Under the Mortgage Refinance Institutions Act, 2025, the Bank of Uganda is granted authority to regulate mortgage refinance institutions. The reform is intended to strengthen oversight of the housing finance sector, promote financial stability and expand access to long-term, affordable mortgage financing for homeowners.
Meanwhile, the Valuation Act, 2025 provides for the establishment of the Institute of Certified Valuers, which will oversee professional standards, registration and regulation of valuers across the country. The move is expected to enhance transparency, credibility and consistency in property valuation practices.
The enactment of the three laws marks a significant step toward streamlining construction oversight, deepening Uganda’s mortgage market and professionalising valuation services, all in support of the country’s urban development and housing growth agenda.
