As we celebrate International Women's Day, it is important to recognize the significant contributions that women make to the real estate industry. In Uganda, there are many women who are breaking barriers and making a name for themselves in this male-dominated industry. These women are not only making waves but also seizing the numerous opportunities for women in real estate, serving as role models for other aspiring women in the industry.

Special thanks go to the following notable women for their tireless efforts in supporting the real estate sector. Persis Namuganza, Judith Nabakooba, Amina Hersi, Judy Rugasira, Shirley Kongai, Linda Nabakka, Irene Gwokyalya, Victoria Nannozi, Catherine Nanteza, Rachael Arinaitewe, Christabell Musiime, Fiona Lwanga, Ovia Atuhaire, Clare Ruhweza, Peace Kabunga, Lillian Kaddu, Anita Kusiima, Cissy Namaganda, Irene Nalwoga, Winnie Lynn Nakajubi, Nantongo Immaculate, and very many others (as you will see in the attached word-cloud image) who have contributed to the real estate industry in the past and also in the present.

These women have excelled in various areas of the real estate industry, including property development, property management, sales and marketing, and real estate law. They have shown that with hard work, determination, and a strong work ethic, women can be just as successful as their male counterparts in the real estate industry.

Arch. Irene Gwokyalya is a Ugandan architect and public service professional who currently heads the Department of Housing Development and Estates Management at the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development in Uganda. In this role, she is responsible for formulating policies, legislation, and procedures related to estates, as well as supervising housing and estate development.

Amina Hersi is one of notable women who is a Ugandan/Somali entrepreneur and investor in the real estate industry. She is the founder and CEO of Oasis Mall, a leading shopping and leisure destination in Uganda. Hersi has also been recognized for her philanthropic work, including supporting education and healthcare initiatives in Somalia.

Judy Rugasira is a well respected figure in the real estate industry and has made significant contributions to the sector in Uganda. As the Managing Director of Knight Frank Uganda, a leading property consultancy firm, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and has received numerous awards for her outstanding work.

In addition to her achievements in the private sector, Judy was appointed Head of Surveyors Board by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Betty Amongi, in 2017. This appointment is a testament to Judy's expertise and reputation in the industry, and it highlights the government's recognition of her valuable contributions to the sector. With her extensive knowledge and experience, Judy Rugasira continues to be a trailblazer and a driving force in the real estate industry in Uganda.

Shirley Kongai is a key person in the Ugandan real estate industry, having made significant contributions to the sector. She was previously the President of the Association of Real Estate Agents (AREA), which is the largest real estate association in Uganda, and also serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Construction and Real Estate Sector at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda.

Through her leadership and expertise, Kongai has been instrumental in driving growth and development in the real estate sector. Her commitment to promoting ethical business practices and improving standards within the industry has earned her a reputation as a respected and influential figure in the sector. But, who exactly is Shirley Kongai?

Cissy Namaganda is another prominent figure in the Ugandan real estate industry and the founder of Cinam Investments Limited. Under her leadership, the company has developed a hot home acquisition product called "Beera Landlordi," which has made home ownership easy and affordable for many Ugandans. The slogan "Home ownership made easy" is not just a catchy phrase, but a promise that Cinam Investments has delivered on for their customers.

This product (Beera Landlordi) was developed after listening to testimonies from Diaspora communities and individuals who had been conned or duped by relatives, family members, and organizations.

Through "Beera Landlordi," anyone can construct, own, manage, and maintain their ideal home or commercial property at an affordable and effective cost. Cissy Namaganda's commitment to providing affordable and accessible housing solutions has made her an inspiration to many, and she continues to make a significant impact in the Ugandan real estate industry.

She is currently serving as an honorary board member of AREA Uganda, where she contributes her experience, insights, and professional guidance to support the organization's mission of strengthening the real estate sector and advancing professional standards within Uganda's property industry.

Christabell Musiime is a well-known figure in the Ugandan real estate industry, and is recognized as one of the leading voices in the sector. As the main host of the Property Show, which is a popular real estate magazine show on NTV, Christabell has been instrumental in creating a lasting connection among key stakeholders and players in the industry.

Her commitment to the industry has been unwavering, and her work and experience have been integral to the growth and development of the real estate sector in Uganda. Christabell's expertise, knowledge, and passion for real estate make her a valuable asset to the industry, and a role model for other women aspiring to succeed in this field.

Irene Nalwoga is a passionate real estate professional who serves as the Managing Director of Renewills Real Estates. With a natural love for the industry, Irene takes great pride in matching her clients' needs with the perfect property. She finds joy in making her clients' dreams a reality, and knowing that she has saved them time and effort in their property search.

Irene firmly believes in the importance of customer service and always puts her clients first, ensuring that they have a positive experience every step of the way. As she puts it, "At Renewills Real Estates, our doors are widely open for you." Irene's dedication to her clients and love for the industry make her an invaluable asset to the real estate sector in Uganda.

Victoria Nannozi is a multi-talented individual, with experience in real estate, entrepreneurship, acting, and research. She is a former CEO of the Association of Real Estate Agents Uganda, where she worked tirelessly to improve the real estate sector in the country, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Victoria's passion for real estate started when she joined the Association of Real Estate Agents Uganda in 2018 to network and find business opportunities for Nissi Classic Cleaners Ltd, her cleaning company.

Due to Victoria's outstanding contribution to the association, she was offered the position of CEO, which she held until May 2022. During her tenure, she organized webinars and conferences to advocate for the sector and trained over 200 brokers on brokerage management.

She also established an investment club and a sports club to encourage networking and investment in the sector. Victoria is a nominee for the HERWITAwards 2023 in the category of Women Advocate and Catalyst for Change Award and Women in Global Impact Award, in recognition of her outstanding work in the real estate industry and beyond.

Frankina Apio is a prominent woman that is currently trending within the real estate arena, gaining recent attention for her insightful contributions to the field. As a Real Estate Enthusiast and expert in Handover and post-sales operations at Fakhruddin Properties Uganda, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the industry.

Frankina is also a Director at The Business Empire International Company SMC Limited, showcasing her multifaceted involvement in business ventures. With a background in psychology, holding a Bachelor's degree in Community Psychology and a Masters in Business Administration, she combines a unique blend of analytical and strategic thinking. Notably, she has authored the book "CONDOMINIUM REAL ESTATE UGANDAN GRIP," shedding light on condominium housing in Uganda's context and further establishing her as a thought leader in the real estate domain.

Linda Nabakka is a bright star in Uganda's real estate sector, she was previously serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Real Estate Agents Uganda (AREA-Uganda). In this capacity, she oversaw the organization's operations and was a primary contact for information and participation in AREA-Uganda's initiatives.

In addition to her role at AREA-Uganda, Linda represented the organization on international platforms. She has been featured on the International MLS Forum, highlighting her engagement in global real estate standards and practices. Through her leadership and active participation, Linda Nabakka contributed significantly to the advancement and professionalization of Uganda's real estate industry.

Joanita Muwema is a Ugandan real estate professional associated with Fakhruddin Properties Uganda, a property development company known for building condominium and apartment projects in and around Kampala. She has worked mainly in sales and marketing roles, helping promote the company's residential developments and guiding potential buyers through the property purchasing process.

Through her work, she has also helped educate buyers about condominium living, a model where individuals own units within a shared building while jointly using common amenities such as security, parking, and recreational facilities.

Based on what I have learned from women in real estate, the efforts of all these women have not gone unnoticed, and many other organizations have recognized the need to support women in the real estate industry. The AREA Women Council is one such organization that has made a significant contribution to the real estate sector and its effort to help women grow their real estate businesses. Eventually one of these great women may be the key to your dream home.

Key takeaways: As we celebrate International Women's Day with 100% women's day bonus from the RED, we should take the time to acknowledge the contributions of women in the real estate industry. Women like Persis Namuganza, Judith Nabakooba, Amina Hersi, Judy Rugasira, and many others have shown that with hard work, determination, and a strong work ethic, women can excel in this industry. We must continue to support, encourage and empower women in the real estate industry and ensure that they have the resources they need to succeed.

PLEASE NOTE: If you know a woman in real estate and you have checked that her name does not feature in the word-cloud image attached/above then you can click here to reach out to me via WhatsApp (or use the contacts below), and I will add her right away. Otherwise feel free to click here and download a high resolution version of the word cloud and print it or frame it for your office or home.