Timber construction is advancing swiftly in Uganda, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Mass timber is being embraced over traditional brick-and-mortar methods to address a housing deficit exceeding two million units, while also promoting a circular economy. Unlike traditional construction, timber structures offer flexibility for relocation or expansion, as explained by Bierens Wolf, founder of Easy Housing, a Ugandan construction company building timber homes in factories. Prefabrication allows for easier error detection and correction, ensuring high-quality work and faster building times, according to Easy Housing’s marketing manager, Brian Kulubya.
The movement toward a timber-based economy began years ago, spearheaded by the Mass Timber Construction Project. Launched in 2018 by Fairventures Worldwide, this project aims to foster timber construction in East Africa, with Uganda as a key focus. The initiative has developed sustainable timber value chains and led to the creation of the Timber Innovation Centre (TIC), which opened last year. TIC is advancing the production of engineered wood products, such as solid pine and glulam, and developing items suited for African conditions, including flooring and furniture. Australian-based CLT Toolbox also joined this effort by expanding into Ethiopia, supporting the continent’s timber construction growth.
