Uganda’s construction sector registered a marginal slowdown in input price growth in October 2025, according to the latest Construction Input Price Index released by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).
Senior Statistician for Construction Statistics, Irene Namugenze Musitwa, said the index—which tracks changes in the prices of materials, labour and equipment used in construction—rose by 0.3 percent in the year ending October 2025, down from the 0.4 percent increase recorded in September.
Musitwa explained that the index measures price movements across three key areas: building construction, civil engineering works, and specialised construction activities.
These categories cover inputs used for residential and non-residential buildings, roads, railways, utilities, demolition, site preparation, electrical and plumbing works, as well as finishing activities. The indicator is crucial for monitoring cost trends, adjusting long-term construction contracts and supporting GDP calculations.
All major construction categories posted slower annual price increases. Prices for inputs used in building construction grew by 0.3 percent, down from 0.4 percent the previous month.
Civil engineering inputs, including materials for roads, railways and utilities, also rose by 0.3 percent, reflecting a similar deceleration. Specialised construction activities saw a 0.3 percent annual increase, compared to 0.5 percent in September.
Musitwa attributed the overall softening to moderated price increases in several key materials. Prices for a mix of construction materials grew by 1.7 percent in October, slower than the 2.3 percent increase registered in September.
Timber thicker than 6mm rose by 0.7 percent, while lime prices posted a 5.5 percent increase—down from 8.1 percent the previous month. Some materials, however, recorded declines. Adhesives, sealants and waterproof grouts fell by 0.2 percent, while prices of plastic pipes and fittings dropped by 0.3 percent.
On a month-to-month basis, the sector recorded a 0.2 percent decline in construction input inflation for October, reversing the stability seen in September. Specialised construction activities were the biggest contributors, falling by 0.3 percent. Building material prices dipped by 0.1 percent, while civil engineering inputs declined by 0.2 percent.
Significant monthly declines were noted in sand, which fell by 0.5 percent, and in clays and marum, which dropped by 1.2 percent. Clear bricks and tiles decreased by 0.9 percent.
Despite the general slowdown, some inputs posted increases, including paints and varnishes, which rose by 0.4 percent, and labour costs, which strengthened by 0.4 percent, driven by higher wage rates for unskilled workers, plumbers and welders.
Musitwa noted that although construction input prices continue to rise, the pace has noticeably slowed, signalling easing cost pressures across the sector.