HFB Zimba Challenge Nears Grand Finale as Partnership with Bakaima Real Estate Advances Homeownership

Kampala, Uganda: 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 organizations 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.