The Housing Finance Bank Zimba Challenge is approaching its grand finale, marking the culmination of a nationwide initiative designed to inspire innovative, affordable and sustainable housing solutions while advancing the conversation around homeownership in Uganda.
Launched as a platform to address housing challenges and encourage practical solutions to Uganda’s estimated housing deficit of 2.4 million units, the Challenge has brought together individuals, communities and partners committed to making homeownership more attainable for Ugandans.
A major milestone in the journey was achieved during a courtesy visit to Bakaima Real Estate Agents, where the company formally handed over the land title for the property on which the Challenge house is being constructed in Bujuuko Estate. The house, currently under construction, will be awarded to a deserving Ugandan family through the Challenge’s public nomination process.
Since its launch, the HFB Zimba Challenge has engaged 164 participants from across the country, who submitted and presented innovative housing and homeownership ideas. Participants took part in regional pitching sessions where they showcased sustainable housing solutions before undergoing a specialised skilling bootcamp aimed at equipping them with practical knowledge in housing, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Unlike a traditional competition, the HFB Zimba Challenge culminates in a public nomination process through which Ugandans will nominate deserving individuals or families for an opportunity to receive a completed two-bedroom home, creating a direct and lasting impact on the lives of ordinary Ugandans.
Speaking during the visit, Medard Owoyesigire, General Manager of Bakaima Real Estate Agents, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to decent and affordable housing.
“We believe that every Ugandan deserves the opportunity to own a decent home. Partnering with Housing Finance Bank on the Zimba Challenge allows us to contribute meaningfully to that vision. We are delighted to provide the land for this life-changing initiative and look forward to seeing a deserving family become homeowners,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Housing Finance Bank, Elon Kabarungi Kabakama, Corporate Communications Manager, commended Bakaima Real Estate Agents for their contribution and reaffirmed the broader purpose behind the initiative.
” We appreciate Bakaima Real Estate Agents for partnering with us on this journey and making this milestone possible. At Housing Finance Bank, we see ourselves not just as financiers, but as enablers of homeownership solutions. The Zimba Challenge was established to contribute to addressing Uganda’s housing deficit of 2.4 million units by bringing together innovation, strategic partnerships and practical interventions that make homeownership more accessible for Ugandans.”
The partnership underscores the critical role of collaboration in addressing Uganda’s housing challenges by bringing together organisations committed to expanding access to land, housing finance and sustainable housing solutions.
As the inaugural edition draws to a close, Housing Finance Bank is preparing for Season Two of the HFB Zimba Challenge, which will focus on scaling the initiative’s reach and impact. The next season will seek to expand participation, strengthen partnerships and extend innovative homeownership solutions to even more Ugandans across the country.
Through the HFB Zimba Challenge, Housing Finance Bank continues to champion collaborative solutions that support sustainable communities and bring more Ugandans closer to the dream of owning a home.
