Uganda is not a rich country. Low wages and many people living in rural areas means that many houses are basic and lack both running water and electricity. Basic, of course, is a relative term, and it may be better to view them as 'functional'- they do what they are designed to do.
Local materials are almost always used, and in many cases this means wood, mud, thatch from grasses and leaves, and a little stone. Because these materials are not strong, rural homes are usually single storey and quite small.
Uganda is often hot and dry, so flat roofing is common. However, when it rains, it really pours down so corrugated iron is a very popular roofing material. It makes a terrible noise when rain hits it, but its quite cheap, waterproof and lasts a long time.
 |
Corrugated iron sheeting is used as roofing everywhere, even on new 'traditional' huts |
Homes in rural areas rarely have running water, piped drainage or mains electricity. They often consist of just one or two rooms at ground level.