Habitat for Humanity Uganda
1. Background
Uganda continues to face a significant housing deficit driven by rapid population growth, urbanisation, rising construction costs, and limited access to affordable housing finance. Many low- and middle-income households, particularly those living in rural communities and informal urban settlements, struggle to access safe, decent, and affordable housing. At the same time, there is a growing need for innovative housing solutions that are affordable, environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient, and adaptable to the local context.
To contribute to addressing this challenge, Habitat for Humanity Uganda (HFHU), with support from Citi Foundation, is organising a university students affordable housing design competition. The competition seeks to engage students pursuing architecture, civil engineering, and other built-environment courses in developing practical, cost-effective, and scalable housing solutions that respond to the needs of low- and middle-income households in Uganda. The competition provides an opportunity for students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world housing challenges while contributing innovative ideas that can inform future housing programmes.
2. Competition Theme
Innovative and Affordable Housing Solutions for Low- and Middle-Income Households in Uganda.
3. Design Categories
Category A: Rural Affordable Housing Model
· Respond to needs of low-income rural households.
· Utilize locally available materials.
· Allow incremental expansion.
· Integrate sanitation and climate resilience.
Category B: Urban Affordable Housing Model
· Address high-density settlements and limited land.
· Maximize efficient use of space.
· Consider compact, semi-detached, row-house or multi-unit concepts.
4. Design Principles
Affordability, Sustainability, Structural Feasibility, Climate Resilience, Inclusiveness, and Scalability.
5. Encouraged Building Technologies
Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks, Twist Blocks, rammed earth, Sustainable timber, bamboo and other innovative low-carbon construction technologies.
6. Deliverables
A. Design Concept Note
B. Architectural Drawings
C. 3D Visualizations
D. Cost Estimate
7. Evaluation Criteria
Affordability (25%), Innovation (20%), Sustainability (15%), Structural Feasibility (15%), Adaptability (15%), Quality of Presentation (10%).
8. Awards
Selected winners will receive their awards during the official award ceremony. The date and venue of the event will be communicated to all shortlisted finalists at a later stage.
9. Key Message
Design solutions should be realistic, affordable, environmentally responsible, and capable of being replicated at scale in Uganda.
How to apply
10. Submission
The competition is open to students currently enrolled in Architecture, Civil Engineering, and other relevant built-environment courses at recognised universities and higher institutions of learning in Uganda. Participants will be required to submit proof of their student status, such as a valid student identification card, registration card, admission letter, or any other official document from their institution confirming current enrollment.
The call for submissions will open on 6th June 2026 and close on 30th June 2026 at 11:59 PM (EAT). All submissions must be made electronically and should include a design concept note outlining the design rationale, proposed materials and construction technologies, innovation and sustainability features, and affordability considerations; architectural drawings including plans, elevations, sections, and roof plans; three-dimensional (3D) visualisations or renderings; a summary cost estimate or Bill of Quantities; and proof of student status.
All submissions should be sent electronically to procom@hfhuganda.org with a copy to jonesb@hfhuganda.org. The email subject line should clearly indicate the participant’s name and the category under which the design is being submitted.
Selected finalists will be invited to present their designs during an exhibition and award event. Winners will receive awards during the official award ceremony, the date and venue of which will be communicated to the shortlisted finalists.
For any inquiries or requests for clarification regarding the competition, participants may contact jonesb@hfhuganda.org.
