President Yoweri Museveni has officially assented to the Valuation Act, 2025, a groundbreaking law aimed at regulating Uganda’s property sector and ensuring that valuations are conducted ethically and professionally. The legislation imposes fines of up to 100 million Shillings or imprisonment for valuers who provide false information or operate without a license.
The new law was signed together with the Building Control (Amendment) Act and the Mortgage Refinance Institutions Act, forming a comprehensive legal framework to tighten oversight of real estate, construction, and mortgage finance in Uganda.
Alozius Gonza, former president of the Institution of Surveyors of Uganda, described the legislation as a long-awaited solution to a decade of regulatory gaps that have cost both government and private investors billions of Shillings. “This is a major step forward for fairness and accountability in the real estate market,” Gonza noted.
The Valuation Act establishes the Institute of Certified Valuers of Uganda, tasked with setting professional standards and maintaining a register of licensed practitioners. It also formalizes the office of the chief government valuer to oversee public property valuations and ensure fair compensation during infrastructure development.
Experts say the law will protect homeowners and investors from common injustices, including inflated property values during loan applications and inconsistent tax assessments. Previously, borrowers often suffered losses when property valuations dropped between loan disbursement and foreclosure.
The Mortgage Refinance Institutions Act complements these reforms by empowering the Bank of Uganda to regulate mortgage financing, broaden access to long-term home loans, and promote investment in housing—crucial for addressing Uganda’s persistent housing shortage.
In addition, the Building Control (Amendment) Act now enforces strict construction regulations, with penalties including fines and jail terms of up to 12 years. Local authorities are authorized to demolish unsafe or illegal structures, strengthening public safety and compliance across communities.
Lawyer Richard Masereje praised the legislative package for providing much-needed transparency and risk mitigation in Uganda’s real estate sector. “Investors and homeowners now have a clear legal framework to protect their rights and ensure ethical practices in property valuation and construction,” he said.
