Thursday, March 14, 2013

Property Prices Drop in Uganda

Uganda's real estate industry has seen a significant boom over the last couple of years. This can be attributed to a number of facts. Everywhere you look especially around the suburbs of Kampala, houses are going up for residential and commercial purposes.

The construction industry has seen a significant boom in industries providing the needed materials with companies like Hima cement reaping hugely from the high demand for cement. Another industry that has seen a great demand for its products is Roofings Industry. However, there has been a significant rise of new industry players especially in the area of roofing where many Ugandans are opting for the cheaper and more nice looking iron-sheets that are a far cry from the old traditional silver iron sheets.

The iron sheets come in different colors to suit the different tastes and preferences of clients. This new and innovative way of roofing has given clay tiles manufacturers a run for their money. With more and more people opting for these iron sheets there has been an increase in the number of industries manufacturing them and one would be spoilt for choice.

It is however necessary that one does a proper market research before buying as some these sheets lose color and end up looking rather dull in a very short period of time.

Many real estate developers who were seeing huge profits from their properties are beginning to decry the low number of clients purchasing property lately. It is not uncommon to find property that was being sold at about 450m Uganda Shillings a year ago now going for between 250m - 300m.

When we contacted many of the real estate companies like www.ugandapropertyagents.com who are one of Uganda's leading Realtors, we found that the number of property inquiries and viewings have slightly dipped with fewer purchases.

A number of industry players are attributing this to the government crackdown on corruption. It is believed that much of the property bubble had been created by corrupt government officials who were not afraid to splash their ill gotten wealth.

Another reason being put forward is the global economic downturn. Some of the commercial properties were being purchased by International Organizations and business. However, the knock by the global economic recess has also impacted on the different multi-nationals.

When we spoke to Eric Senyonjo of Kampala Propertys.com he said business is still good although the trend on what type of property is being bought has also significantly changed. People are buying property which have more future returns unlike those that don't. He says property is being bought more for their invest value returns than earlier on.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Housing in Uganda

Housing in Uganda is growing at a very fast rate, in Kampala alone there is a housing shortage of about 100,000 houses. People looking for rentals in Kampala for the first time are often surprised at how much the rent costs in upmarket areas like Bugolobi or Muyenga.

The average house for rent in Bugolobi goes for around $800 per month where as in places the price goes a notch higher. The average furnished apartment for rent in Kololo goes for around $1500.

The high rates of rentals in Kampala is a good indicator for any one wanting to go into the housing industry in Uganda.

However, there is a very poor state of housing in the other districts of Uganda other than Mbale, Jinja, Mbarara and other some towns like Lira. The other upcountry regions have very poor accommodations. The creation of new districts was supposed to bring development closer to the people however, some district headquarters are just as bad. Gorilla safari Uganda

Posted by: Uganda real estate agents.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Kampala Lucks Green Space

Uganda's development and planners have failed to include green spaces in Uganda's cities and towns. Kampala which was once green is now being denied the few green spaces it once had. All the wetlands and parks have been sold off to developers. Our children have no where to play and our pets don't have where to run and exercise.

This is an article from a terrier in Kololo hill.

Now listen up, humans: we dogs are not only your best friends, we are also your oldest. Archaeological evidence shows that dogs and humans have lived together for thousands of years, and this has happened across the world in all known cultures. It’s been a good partnership for you as well as for us. Recent medical evidence proves that humans with dogs in their families enjoy better health, with lower blood pressure and fewer heart problems. So, we not only guard your homes from burglars and your airports from drug traffickers and terrorists, we also make you fit and happy. Kampala rentals

And how do you repay us? By covering our environment in concrete!
Okay, I agree that it is convenient for you to have human kennels and shopping malls where you can pop out for essentials like matooke and dog food. But to keep the relationship sweet we also need some wide open spaces where dogs and human can take their daily constitutional stroll.

You humans need the exercise. We dogs need that too, but also the chance to network with our peers by sniffing the pee mails we leave each other. And we can all do with some time off the leash to run about and play. You guys go to pubs and discos for that; but what about us? Land and plots for sale in Kampala Uganda

The biggest unbuilt space in Kampala is reserved for humans to whack hard little balls with sticks. How fair is that? From my observation, moreover, it is only top-dog humans who get the chance to do that. What about the little people and the four-legged population? Must we forever remain under house arrest in our family compounds?
Just about the only public space left to us is Kololo airstrip, and I am beginning to smell a rat there. We already suffer many no-go days, when it is cordoned off for political rallies and that sort of nonsense. How long will it be before chunks are sold off to private developers? The proposed demolition of the national museum gives an ominous sign of just how vulnerable the airstrip is. land to buy in Uganda

So let’s get real. Uganda’s human population is projected to double by 2050. By then greater Kampala will likely be a conurbation spreading from Entebbe in the south to Mukono in the east. If land is not gazetted now for open spaces, for public leisure and relaxation, life will become quite insufferable for human citizens, let alone us dogizens. The only four-legged creatures able to thrive will be those terrible parasites, cats and rats. Uganda property listings

I call upon all canine friends to attend a mass rally today in Constitution Square demanding the immediate resignation of Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, who has done so little to protect the future needs of human and canine populations. Dogs of Kampala, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains.

Kampala real estate listings

Another Upmarket Apartments Opens In Kampala

Mr. Alykhan Allibhai's family has constructed new upmarket apartments in Kampala - The Seventeen Apartment Hotel in Kololo. The construction industry in Uganda is booming at the moment and the openning of the Seventeen Apartment hotels on Kololo hill means a new addition to Kampala's commercial real estates. The Seventeen Apartment's hotel took two years to construct and is set to be launched on May17 2011.

During the viewing of the Apartments Dr. Maggie Kigozi who is also the Executive Director of UIA - Uganda Investment Authority said the construction industry in Uganda is one of the most profitable in the Country and is the second largest investment opportunity.

Dr. Maggie Kigozi said “As UIA, we have been targeting our Ugandan and Asian communities living in the Diaspora to come back home and invest since there are massive opportunities. Our young generation is coming back with innovation and creativity, improved technology and huge investment,”. Dr. Kigozi cited that the Seventeen Apartment Hotel is testament to this.

According to the Director of Operations, Mr Alykhan Allibhai, the objective of the hotel is to introduce western ideas in Uganda, to introduce the “European” definition of an apartment-hotel and to facilitate the incoming investors, as well as, the local residents who wish to experience 5-star European standards.

The hotel has a total of 17 apartments of which nine are ready for renting. The hotel offers nightly, weekly, monthly and yearly rates. Apartments for rent in Kampala

Dr Kigozi urges that there are many Ugandans living in the Diaspora and some of them want to return home and invest. As they return, such apartments will help facilitate them giving the standard of housing they are used to in western world.

“UIA would like to inform our fellow citizens living in the Diaspora of the happenings and opportunities that are available for investment and encourage them to return back to Uganda and start investing,” she said. Kampala apartments for rent

She adds that for those who have already settled abroad and have no plans of returning, they are encouraged to invest by working closely with their families in Uganda since the country has massive opportunities in many fields.
Mr Allibhai said that the launch will be graced by Dr. Kigozi in appreciation for the assistance given by the institution while establishing the hotel.

If you are looking for Houses for sale in Uganda visit GABE International homes.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Consider Using container gardens?

Consider container gardening if you are averse to outdoor gardening. Instant gardens come in pots or hanging baskets that can be placed on windowsills, verandahs, balconies or outside stairs. Containers can be clay pots, old wooden crates, buckets, troughs or logs.

I am not a fan of container plants. I always imagine a little snake crawling out of it as I recline, overcome by sleep on a sofa at night. If this is your disposition, stick to outdoor gardening. But do not let my phobias deter you from this pleasurable art.

If you are renting and need to move to new residences with your plants, this is the way to go. There is also no weeding or stooping. Container plants also suffer less from pests and diseases.

Their importance


They can also be moved around the home freely. If a plant is doing badly in one location from poor sunlight, it can be moved to a better lit area. And if another is withering from too much sunshine, it can be moved to a more shaded area.
It is also easier to distribute sunlight to a container plant by turning it frequently, so that all sides of the plant can receive enough sunlight.

It is possible to mix and match container plants as often as possible in new arrangements for display. For instance, if you want to mix a few white hibiscus flowers with some red roses and sunflower, all in varying height sizes for a verandah display, this can be possible.

Size matters


The containers should be the right size for the plants. Slow growing plants like cactus can be grown in containers that are the same volume as the plant. Faster growing plants, especially vegetables, should be grown in larger pots to accommodate root growth.

Many large containers or many smaller ones can put pressure on a verandah or a rooftop, especially after heavy rain if the spot is away from supporting posts. A friend has a potted tree on her rooftop, but it is on top of the middle house support.

Dark coloured containers sear plant roots on hot days, so opt for light colours. Metal containers also conduct a lot of heat and can be corroded by fertiliser salts.

The location


Do not place containers too low where they can become insignificant against a busy or conflicting background. Vary the levels by placing them on different levels like on benches and stairs.

Hanging baskets should be at chest level, so that people can see them. Or they should be more than six feet high so that people do not bump into them. Plants at waist level and below should be away from paths and areas where children can interfere with them.

Containers must be well drained. Most have some holes at the bottom for this purpose. For converted ones, you need to drill your own into them.

Choosing soil


Put some pebbles (smooth stones) at the bottom, so that roots do not clog the holes. Use soil less potted mixes instead of soil. These are lighter, absorb more water and drain better. Buy the mixes if you can afford them.

Less expensive mixes are made of compost material, peat moss and perlite, a gritty white material that hejavascript:void(0)lps in fast drainage. Use mixes for containers larger than six or eight inches in diametre.

Start using a water soluble fertiliser about three weeks after potting, during watering. Plants in porous terracotta containers may need watering two or three times more than those in plastic containers. Do not let the soil get too dry or too wet.
Buy property in Kampala Uganda | African tour and travel profile

Wiring a new house

Fixing a short circuit
According to www.ehow.com, Although over currents, in the form of overloads, short circuits or ground faults, are all potentially dangerous, every home is protected by the fuses or circuit breakers.

A short circuit occurs, when two current-carrying wires contact each other metal to metal. It also could happen when an exposed hot wire touches a neutral wire or a grounded metal box. Both cause the circuit to heat up suddenly. The fuse or breaker will shut off the power immediately.

Because all over currents cause heat, they should be attended to immediately. You do not want a damaged circuit, a fire to start, or someone to be electrocuted.
To make sure you have a short circuit, and not a different type of over current, go to the fuse box. If you have a short circuit, the fuse will have a blackened or discolored mica window.

A fuse tripped by another over current will be clear, but there will be a break in the metal strip. You can also tell it is a short circuit if the circuit fails repeatedly. If the circuit has an overload, and you put the fuse back in place, it will likely not trip again. But, if the fuse keeps tripping, then it’s a short circuit.

To correct the problem, you need to find where the short circuit is. Start by unplugging all electrical appliances. Check for damages in their cords. If the short occurs when you plug this appliance in, and the cord is damaged, replace the cord immediately. It is the cause of the short circuit. If you cannot find the short circuit, you need to call an electrician.

If faulty wiring is in the walls and attic of your home, they need to be repaired immediately. An electrician should be able to make repairs and restore power in your home, but do not expect it to be inexpensive.

Safe wiring


According to www.doityourself.com, safety glasses or goggles should be worn whenever power tools are used, especially if you wear contact lenses.
lMake sure the power is off at the breaker box before doing any electrical work.
lAlways work in a dean, dry area free from anything wet.

lWires should only be connected at accessible junction boxes. Never splice wires together and conceal them within a wall without a junction box. lNever attempt to strip wires with a knife. Aside from endangering your fingers, you will nick the wire metal, which will create an electrical hazard.

lground fault circuit interrupter outlets should be used under damp conditions (basements, bathrooms, outdoors, etc.), as required by the National Electric Code.
lDon’t create fire hazards by overloading an outlet or an extension cord.
lAvoid electrical shock by mapping and marking your switch and outlet boxes. Put the map on the door of the main power service panel.

Leave a warning message that you are working on the circuit at the service panel, and tape the circuit breaker in the off position. With a fuse box, take the fuse out
Never change the size of a fuse or breaker in a circuit.

Be certain your connector is CO/ALR rated when you splice aluminum wire. If it is marked CU/ALR, use only copper wire. Do not use aluminum wire with push terminals; use only copper or copper-dad aluminum wire.

Always correct the problem that caused a fuse or circuit breaker to blow before replacing the fuse or circuit breaker.

Replace wiring that shows signs of fraying or deterioration.

Avoid breaking your knuckles by bracing the powerful right-angle drill so that it cannot spin around if it gets stuck while drilling.

Before working with wires or electrical connections, check them with a voltage tester to be sure they are dead.

Plumbing and gas pipes are often used to ground electrical systems. Never touch them while working with electricity.

Don’t use metal ladders with overhead electricity.

Use the proper protection, take precautions, and plan ahead. Never by-pass safety to save money or to rush a project.
Houses for sale in Uganda