#OutToLunch Let us have coffee over affordable housing

By Denis Jjuuko

There are skits on social media of a landlady called Nakayiza. She can visit her tenants at any time and if she finds them eating chicken or meat, she wonders how they can be enjoying expensive foods while still renting. She castigates them for being such poor planners who enjoy life’s excesses instead of becoming landlords like herself.

But if the tenant made a mistake of not inviting her to partake in the meal and/or giving her a drumstick and gizzard, they would be in trouble. She would grab the saucepan and go with it telling them to report her to whoever they want and see if they would still live in her houses. She always strikes at meal time. Nakayiza is hilariously brutal to her tenants especially those who may be in arrears.

Nakayiza may be drama and she excels at it but her script writers know exactly what happens in the communities especially informal settlements where the majority of urban dwellers live in Uganda. Like Nakayiza, tenants in real life face such dehumanizing landlords every day.

Yet as Uganda’s population continues to grow, so is the need for decent housing especially in urban areas. Uganda is one of the most urbanizing countries on the continent thereby putting pressure on already strained housing facilities. The country has a deficit of about 2.3 million housing units and growing by about 200,000 annually.

Lack of proper housing leads to diseases and increases household poverty. A person fearing when Nakayiza would strike wouldn’t be able to have a decent meal at home. One time she complained of a family eating avocado yet a necessary food for children’s growth. But also, one wouldn’t be able to concentrate at anything because they spend all their time fearing when Nakayiza would strike.

This calls for more investment in affordable decent housing. By affordable I mean a house the majority of people would be able to own over a long period of time say 10 to 30 years. People would consider that they have a stake in the country and will work hard to ensure they can own the property at one stage in their lifetime thereby leading to economic growth.

I recently came up a report titled “A Ladder Up: The construction sector’s role in creating jobs and rebuilding emerging market economies,” commissioned by Habitat for Humanity and it had some interesting findings. For “every US$1 million in construction output creates an average of 97 jobs across countries ranging from 43 jobs per US$1 million in Mexico to 182 jobs per US$1 million in India,” the report reads.

I believe in Uganda, one US$1m invested in housing could create as many as 500 jobs. From informal workers such as porters and bricklayers to professional workers such as architects and engineers. No need to mention indirect workers at steel factories and the entire value chain and money paid to government for permits and such other things.

According to Habitat for Humanity Uganda, a two-bedroom affordable house in an urban area cost approximately Shs35m or US$9,000 (doesn’t include the cost of land). So, with US$1m, one can be able to build at least 100 houses in an urban area. In a not so urban area, the cost is Shs25m.

These numbers could go further down if the government lowered taxes on construction materials and there were massive projects planned so that they could enjoy economies of scale. Banks could be incentivized to provide affordable financing. Residential construction has a lot of potential.

“Investment in residential construction, in particular, represents a potential win-win for low- to middle-income countries, as it creates quality jobs while filling a massive void in affordable housing,” the report mentioned above further reads.

An investment of just US$1m in a community would change it forever. Once people aren’t worried of returning home during the rainy season when the landlord has removed one of the iron sheets, they would be able to push their other dreams.

As we have seen with Nakayiza and landlords like her, commercial tenants don’t go through the humiliation that residential tenants face. When a commercial tenant defaults, the landlord simply locks up the premises. The tenant’s family isn’t dehumanized. So residential housing for the country’s development is where we should put much more emphasis. It is high time we seriously had coffee on affordable housing.

The writer is a communication and visibility consultant. djjuuko@gmail.com

Tags: Denis Jjuuko, Habitat for Humanity Uganda, Out to Lunch, Prime Time Communications

Education

From Smartphones to Sustainable Livelihoods: Manafwa Youth Power a New Digital Future

By Sandra Nakafeero A fresh sense of purpose swept through the Manafwa District Hall as more than 100 young people gathered for the close of an intensive digital skilling programme. Phones in hand and ideas taking shape, the participants demonstrated how simple digital tools are reshaping the way young people learn, create, and earn. During the hands-on sessions, trainees explored practical skills ranging from graphic design and social media branding to virtual collaboration. Using Canva and other mobile-friendly applications, the youths learned how to develop marketing visuals, select effective colour schemes and fonts, and package messages for online audiences. For many, these skills marked their first step toward turning creativity into income. Abikala Munyanda stood out among the cohort, emerging as the overall best performer. Like many of his peers, he described the training as a confidence booster that transformed digital platforms from sources of entertainment into tools for enterprise. The training was further energized by guest facilitator and content creator Dr. Solomon Kimera, whose journey resonated strongly with the participants. A medical doctor by profession, Dr. Kimera shared how he built a massive digital following by starting small and staying consistent. “I didn’t begin with expensive equipment or a studio,” he told the youth. “I started with an ordinary smartphone and the courage to put myself out there. If you wait for everything to be perfect, you may never begin.” Today, Dr. Kimera commands an online audience of nearly 2.5 million followers on TikTok, with content that blends education and entertainment. His story underscored a key lesson of the training: innovation is less about resources and more about mindset. Addressing the participants at the closing ceremony, the Chief Administrative Officer of Manafwa District, Mr. Ssenku Kimuli Samuel, urged the youth to translate their new skills into meaningful livelihoods. “This training has equipped you with skills that are relevant to today’s economy,” Mr. Ssenku said. “You already have powerful tools in your hands, your smartphones. Use them responsibly to create value, to earn honestly, and to contribute to the development of Manafwa. The future of this district depends on how well you apply what you have learned.” He emphasized that digital skilling is no longer optional but essential for young people seeking employment, entrepreneurship, and participation in national development. The Resident District Commissioner, Hon. Saleh Kamba, commended the trainees for their commitment and encouraged them to remain innovative and disciplined as they venture into the digital space. He noted that digital literacy offers young people an opportunity to improve their livelihoods using resources they already possess. The initiative was implemented by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), in partnership with Prime Time Communications. The programme targets youths in five eastern Uganda districts—Kumi, Kapchorwa, Manafwa, Butaleja, and Kamuli—with more than 500 young people benefiting in the current rollout. Overall, nearly 1,400 youths across 13 districts in central and eastern Uganda are being equipped with practical ICT and multimedia skills. In the first quarter of 2026, the programme will extend to Butaleja and Kamuli districts, enrolling an additional 200 youths. At the conclusion of the training, three participants were recognized for outstanding performance: Abikala Munyanda as Overall Winner, Leah Edith Namono as First Runner-Up, and Derrick Kalibo as Second Runner-Up. As the youths of Manafwa step forward with newly acquired digital competencies, they carry more than certificates—they carry the potential to create jobs, grow incomes, and transform their communities. One design, one post at a time, a new digital chapter is unfolding in Manafwa District.

December 15, 2025

Digitalization

From a simple smartphone to nearly 2.5m followers: Dr. Solomon Kimera inspires Kapchorwa youths to start now

By Gloria Kembabazi Digital skilling is opening new opportunities for young people who dream of building careers in content creation. In today’s digital world, many youths aspire to make a living online, yet procrastination and self-doubt often hold them back. Many wait for the perfect equipment, ideal timing, or enough money before they begin delays that keep their dreams on pause. It is under this background that Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF) working with Prime Time Communications is implementing a program to skill youth groups in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and multimedia in five districts in eastern Uganda. The districts are Kumi, Kapchorwa, Manafwa, Butaleja and Kamuli. The training will see more than 500 youths acquire digital skills that are critical in enabling them to find or create meaningful work. Through the partnership between UCC and Prime Time Communications, more than 1,200 youths have so far been trained in central and eastern Uganda. When the digital skills training program kicked off at the Kapachrowa Community Hall in Kisenyi Sub-County within Kapchorwa Municipality, Kapchorwa District, the atmosphere was filled with inspiration as a famous TikToker and content creator Dr. Solomon Kimera took to the stage. Dr. Kimera, widely recognized for his engaging and educational TikTok videos, has built a strong online community by blending entertainment with knowledge. His relatable delivery and ability to simplify complex topics have earned him admiration from thousands of young people across the country. Addressing the youth, Dr. Kimera shared the authentic story of his journey. Although he is a medical doctor with a professional background in clinical practice, his rise in the digital world did not begin with expensive tools or a perfect setup. Instead, it began with confidence and creativity. “I started with the most basic equipment; an inexpensive smartphone. I was my own camera operator,” he revealed. “If I had waited to earn enough from my medical career to buy a better phone, I wouldn’t have the following I have today. I might never have existed as a content creator. You must start now!” His message resonated deeply with the young audience. Today, Dr. Kimera has nearly 2.5 million followers on TikTok, with his videos attracting millions of views and likes. His success is proof that passion and consistency can open doors, even when resources are limited. Through the UCC digital skills training, the youths in Kapchorwa are being empowered with practical skills to create content, build online brands, and tap into the growing digital economy. Dr. Kimera’s story served as a powerful reminder that success begins with the courage to start using whatever is available. His final encouragement to the youth was simple but profound: “Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start with what you have. Your journey begins today.” One participant, Siya Deo, described the engagement and training as “an eye-opening.” Previously, he viewed his smartphone as a tool for basic tasks. “Now I know I can use my phone to do video content creation,” he shared.

December 4, 2025

Out to Lunch

#OutToLunch: Rampant unemployment is a key national security issue

By Denis Jjuuko The public service ministry recently announced that more than 40,000 people applied for 287 jobs across different government ministries, departments and agencies. More than 28,000 of those who applied qualified, meaning they were selected for aptitude tests which were to be held at the Mandela National Stadium at Namboole. It must be frustrating looking for job in Uganda. The news came after a bombshell report emanating from research by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) and the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) that indicated that Ugandans pay a whopping Shs42.34b annually to district service boards to get jobs. Averagely, the report indicated, 130,000 people pay bribes to land jobs. The people who ask for these bribes know that the jobs are scarce and people are desperate and willing to do anything to land the jobs. When somebody who bribed their way to a job gets employed, it means a few things. First, the person is not the best for the job. They just had the money to pay a recruiter. The best candidate may not have had the money and therefore wasn’t considered. Because the person knows they only got the job through bribery, they will continue bribing their way into senior positions. That is how we end up with incompetent people in positions of authority. People who can’t execute anything and making sure things don’t work or looking at everyone who is competent as a threat or what people call work politics. The people who are competent end up doing very little at work so that the incompetent boss doesn’t feel insecure and threatened. That is how we end with yes people—they won’t advise their bosses. They will do whatever the boss wants whether it makes sense or not. Remember, there are no jobs and these people have families to feed. Rocking the boat isn’t something that they want to do. Second, the people who bribed their way to jobs will only hire those who pay them a bribe. That way you end up with a corrupt layer at every level and an incompetent lot everywhere. Service delivery is impacted. Government then fails to create jobs that young people can apply for and get on merit. Third, because the public service is corrupted, the private sector suffers too. People can’t start and run businesses professionally. The people who are in positions because they paid a recruiter will endlessly try to get a return on their investment (read bribe). Procurement processes will be compromised. Payment for services and goods delivered will be frustrated unless somebody is paid. The bribery doesn’t end at public service. We recently saw many statements from politicians who lost elections for positions in their political parties claiming their rivals won through bribery. Some wondered why people were bribing for positions that were actually “voluntary.” We hear that candidates for Members of Parliament in some constituencies spend more money than they would get in the five years they would spend in the office should they win. If somebody spends more money than they would be officially paid, it means they are doing so to illegally get something. Somebody who sells their house to get money for election will do anything to get their house back. That is how we end up without jobs and seeing young energetic people leaving the country for the Middle East not to do highly technical jobs but menial ones or being trafficked for sex like we recently heard from a BBC investigation. Government has been saying that they are intending to grow the economy to US$500 billion annually. Great stuff but with rampant corruption, it will be a tall order. There is a need to nip corruption in the bud in order to create sustainable jobs for the working age population. Otherwise, we shall continue to see thousands of people filling up soccer stadiums to apply for a few jobs they know they stand no chance of getting. That is what they call desperation. And desperate people can do pretty much anything. Unemployment ends up being a key national security issue that the government must urgently address. The public have a chance to play a key role here by voting people in 2026 not because they bribed them with a t-shirts or some cheap alcohol but those who can address the challenges they face such as unemployment. The writer is a communication and visibility consultant. djjuuko@gmail.com

October 13, 2025