Following its launch in November last year, Housing Finance Bank hosted a two-day empowerment Zimba Challenge bootcamp at Forest Park Buloba for the 12 finalists of the competition , spanning four categories: Designers, Developers, Dealers, and Departments.
The bootcamp aimed to refine participants’ ideas into practical, scalable solutions to transform Uganda’s housing sector, addressing the national deficit of approximately 2.4 million units and the fact that only 10% of households live in formal homes.
Elon Kabakama Kabarungi, Corporate Communications Manager at HFB, emphasized the bank’s role in promoting sustainable homeownership:
“At Housing Finance Bank, our focus is to make homeownership a reality for Ugandans. Access to affordable, sustainable housing goes beyond financing; it requires innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions. That is why we introduced the Zimba Challenge; to bring together creative minds and innovators to reimagine housing in Uganda.”
The bootcamp combined technical guidance and business coaching. Denis Lindo, Business Development Coach, guided participants on creating actionable business plans, highlighting the importance of combining technical expertise with collaboration to deliver viable homes. On financial sustainability, Martin Muhwezi, CEO of Investor’s Club Uganda, explained how savings, investments, and insurance form the foundation for secure housing development.
Uganda Clays Ltd, a sponsor of the challenge, engaged participants on environmentally responsible construction methods. Jones Muhumuza, Managing Director, commended Housing Finance Bank for launching the Zimba Challenge, noting that it serves as a practical entry point for low-income earners into the housing market. He emphasized the importance of supporting underserved communities and encouraged participants to explore innovative construction approaches that are both affordable and sustainable. Citing organized estates in South Africa as a model, he highlighted how structured housing initiatives can create value for homeowners, local businesses, and the wider economy.
A panel discussion featured Hellen Kanobere Musubika, Manager Home Loans at HFB; Arch. James Byansi, Chairman of the Research Committee at the Uganda Society of Architects; and Simon Peter Tumwebaze, Head of Sales and Marketing at Uganda Clays Ltd. Hellen highlighted the bank’s strategic approach to housing:
“With products like Zimba Mpola Mpola and our tailored home loan solutions, we are enabling incremental home building that fits people’s financial realities. This approach not only helps Ugandans gradually own homes but also drives growth in the housing sector by formalizing construction, increasing demand for materials, and creating sustainable business opportunities across the value chain.”
Participants pitched their projects to judges, evaluated on creativity, feasibility, sustainability, and impact. The top four finalists will advance to the grand finale, with the overall winner receiving up to UGX 100 million in seed capital, mentorship, and the opportunity to scale their solution nationwide.
The HFB Zimba Challenge underscores Housing Finance Bank’s commitment to bridging Uganda’s housing gap through initiatives that are accessible, environmentally responsible, and community-centered critical in a country where over 70% of citizens live in rural areas.
