Housing Finance Bank, transport union partner to provide affordable worker housing

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As the cost of living continues to soar across Uganda’s urban centres, thousands of transport workers have long struggled to find decent and affordable housing near their workplaces.

To address this challenge, the Public Transport Sector Union has entered into a partnership with Housing Finance Bank (HFB) aimed at helping its members own permanent homes through affordable, phased housing loans.

Under this collaboration, union members will access HFB’s “Zimba Mpolampola” product, which is a low-interest loan scheme designed to help low-income earners build their homes gradually and sustainably.

According to Fred Ssenoga, the Union’s Business Product Advisor, the initiative builds on the union’s wider goal of improving the welfare of over 1.3 million transport workers nationwide. “We recently acquired land in Busunju for what we call the Union Village. Through this partnership, we want our members to stop worrying about rent and start building homes they can truly call their own,” he said during the signing ceremony at HFB’s head offices in Kololo.

Ayebazibwe (left) exchanging documents with Ssenoga after signing the MOU at HFB head offices in Kololo. (Courtesy)

The agreement was welcomed by leaders from across the transport sector, including Boda Boda Union Chairperson Frank Mawejje, Taxi Union Chairperson Yasin Ssekindi, and Bus Transport Union Chairperson Umar Kakaire, who described the partnership as a major step toward improving the livelihoods of workers who form the backbone of Uganda’s public transport system.

Housing Finance Bank Executive Director, Peace Ayebazibwe, praised the Union’s efforts to organise and economically empower its members. “This partnership reflects our shared vision of financial inclusion and sustainable living. Every Ugandan deserves a decent home, regardless of income level,” she said.

The collaboration comes at a time when many urban workers are struggling to keep up with rising rent costs. Through Zimba Mpolampola, the Union hopes to turn that struggle into a story of ownership, stability, and long-term empowerment.