CMA Advances Real Estate Investment Trusts Through Stakeholder Engagement

CMA Advances Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Through Stakeholder Engagement.

By Diana Namawolya

The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has strengthened efforts to expand access to long-term financing through alternative assets such as REITS.  CMA convened a high-level breakfast meeting on the 21 st April, 2026 where various business moguls, valuers, government representatives and real estate owners met to discuss the future of REITs, laws and policies the regulator is putting in place to see about their development in the country.

In her remarks, our CEO Josephine Okui Ossiya highlighted the transformative potential of REITs in reshaping real estate financing in Uganda. She emphasized their role in expanding access to capital, enhancing transparency, and enabling broader participation by Ugandans in property investment.

Additionally, Alison Kwikiriza our manager in charge of Legal & Board Affairs provided insights into the legal and regulatory framework supporting the development of REITs in Uganda, while Leonard Businge our Senior Research Officer, underscored the importance of REITs as a key driver of capital markets development with the potential to mobilize long-term financing for housing and infrastructure projects through a presentation he made.

During the discussion, with the audience, participants also emphasized the need for strong commercial viability, noting that beyond regulatory support, successful REITs must be built on sound business fundamentals and tailored to Uganda’s unique market environment not just duplicating what has happened in other countries but tailor a framework that works for the business owners and market of Uganda.

As CMA marks 30 years of market development and investor protection, the Authority remains committed to fostering a capital markets ecosystem that is practical, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of the economy.