KAMPALA – Uganda’s rapidly growing urban population is increasing demand for homes, commercial property, infrastructure and essential services, creating new opportunities for banks and other financial institutions to support the country’s development.
KCB Bank Uganda says financing will play an important role in helping Ugandans own homes, businesses invest in property and communities adopt more sustainable ways of living and building.
The bank highlighted these opportunities during the Urbanisation Forum & Homes Expo 2026, held on September 5 and 6 at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
The two-day event brought together players from the housing, property, construction, finance, investment and SME sectors to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Uganda’s growing urban centres.
Uganda’s urban population reached about 15.6 million in 2024, according to World Bank data, increasing the need for housing, commercial buildings, energy, infrastructure and other urban services.
Edgar Byamah, the Managing Director of KCB Bank Uganda, said access to affordable financing can help more Ugandans build homes, invest in property and create wealth for their families.
“Affordable housing is not just a housing issue; it is an economic development issue,” Byamah said.
“When people can access appropriate financing, they can build homes, create rental properties, invest in businesses and build assets for their families. Our role is to make that journey more achievable while ensuring that the investments we support can create lasting value.”
He said the development of sustainable cities will require stronger cooperation between the government, private sector and financial institutions.
Byamah added that banks have an important role to play in mobilising money and supporting projects that can contribute to Uganda’s economic growth.
KCB Bank Uganda also used the expo to highlight the growing importance of green finance in the development of homes, businesses and communities.
Through its Green Finance Framework, the bank supports investments that have environmental benefits and contribute to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.
These include renewable energy, energy-efficient projects, water conservation and sustainable waste management.
The bank said its green-finance solutions are available to households, property developers, businesses, SMEs and institutions, allowing customers to invest in different sustainable projects.
During the expo, KCB engaged homeowners, developers, businesses and SMEs on financing opportunities in areas such as home ownership, property development, renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, water conservation and waste management.
The bank’s approach is also in line with Uganda’s climate-finance plans, including the National Climate Finance Strategy 2025–2030 and the National Green Taxonomy, which aim to increase investment in low-carbon and climate-resilient projects.
KCB Bank Uganda said Uganda’s urban growth should not only focus on expanding cities but also on ensuring that people have access to quality homes, businesses and infrastructure.
The bank said it will continue working with customers, developers, government and other partners to expand access to financing and support more inclusive and sustainable urban growth in Uganda.
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