Garuga, March 26, 2026 – NCBA Bank Uganda and Pearl Marina Estate have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to housing finance and boosting real estate development in the country.

The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony at Pearl Marina Estate, located at Garuga in Entebbe, marking a new phase in efforts to widen home ownership opportunities and deepen investment in Uganda’s premium waterfront development corridor.

The estate which is located along the shores of Lake Victoria, is among the country’s most ambitious mixed-use developments, bringing together residential, commercial, hospitality and lifestyle infrastructure.

Under the partnership, NCBA Bank will offer tailored mortgage financing solutions to make home ownership more affordable and accessible, while Pearl Marina Estate will leverage its property development model to unlock new investment opportunities in the housing sector.

The bank said the collaboration is designed to connect customers to end-to-end real estate services, from property selection and deal structuring to affordable financing.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NCBA Bank Head of Business (SME) Banking, Bashir Kizza said the partnership aligns with the bank’s purpose of financing a sustainable future for all.

“This partnership with Pearl Marina Estate aligns seamlessly with that vision by enabling sustainable home ownership and supporting real estate development across the country. Together, we are building a resilient ecosystem of professional real estate services, ensuring that customers receive comprehensive support from identifying the right property to structuring deals and accessing affordable financing,” he said.

The memorandum of understanding sets out a framework for innovation in housing finance, anchored on data-driven insights, customer-focused solutions and operational excellence.

Pearl Marina Estate General Manager Piyush Dixit welcomed the collaboration, saying it would help shape the future of real estate in Uganda. He said the partnership goes beyond a financial arrangement.

“This is more than a mere financial arrangement. This is a bold step towards shaping the future of real estate in Uganda. We believe that by combining our strengths, we can accelerate growth, unlock synergies and deliver meaningful impact to aspiring homeowners,” he said.

The deal comes at a time when Uganda is grappling with a widening housing deficit driven by population growth, rapid urbanisation and rising construction costs.

The country is estimated to have a housing shortfall of 2.4 million units in 2026, a gap that continues to put pressure on urban centres such as Kampala, which attract thousands of new residents every year in search of jobs and education.

Despite rising demand, housing supply has remained far below need, with Kampala alone nursing a housing deficit of more than 300,000 units.

Mortgage access is also still a major challenge, with high interest rates, short repayment periods and strict eligibility requirements locking many Ugandans out of home ownership.

Uganda’s housing construction and rental sectors contribute about 11% to gross domestic product, highlighting the importance of the industry to the wider economy.

The sector is also seen as a key driver of jobs, enterprise growth, tax compliance and improved social outcomes, but supply remains far below demand. Annual output of about 60,000 housing units trails demand estimated at 160,000 units in urban areas and 134,000 units in rural areas.

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About NCBA Bank Uganda

NCBA Bank Uganda Limited is a subsidiary of NCBA Group PLC, East Africa’s third-largest bank with an asset base of UGX 960 Billion and a strong liquidity profile. Formed from NIC and CBA Banks in 2020, NCBA combines extensive corporate and retail banking experience with leading innovations, offering products from mobile banking, asset finance to tailored investment solutions. Focused on relationship management and customer success, NCBA empowers clients to achieve financial goals while supporting regional economic growth.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Edgar Tusiime

Head, Marketing, Communications & Citizenship

Email: Edgar.Tusiime@ncbagroup.com |Website: https://ncbagroup.com/ug