Uganda’s construction sector continued to experience subdued price pressures in 2025, with construction input inflation easing to 0.2 percent in the year ended December, down from 0.3 percent recorded in the year to November, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics.
Presenting the latest Construction Input Price Indices, UBOS Principal Statistician, Irene Musitwa said the marginal increase reflects broadly stable costs across major construction activities, supported by price declines in several key materials. Specialised construction activities registered inflation of 0.2 percent in the year to December, slowing from 0.5 percent previously, while construction of buildings remained unchanged at 0.2 percent. Civil engineering works recorded a 0.4 percent increase, the same rate as in the year ended November.
The data show that while overall construction inflation remained low, individual inputs recorded mixed price movements. On an annual basis, sand prices rose by 1.5 percent, up from 1.3 percent previously, while insulated electrical cables also increased by 1.5 percent compared to 0.8 percent in November. Paints and varnishes reversed earlier declines, rising by 0.6 percent after contracting in the previous period.
However, some major construction materials posted further price declines. High tensile steel bars fell by 1.0 percent year-on-year, while plastic pipes and fittings declined by 0.2 percent, extending downward trends seen in November.
On a month-to-month basis, construction input prices remained largely stable in December 2025, mirroring November’s performance. Prices for construction of buildings, civil engineering works and specialised activities showed no significant changes, indicating short-term stability in sector costs.
Despite the overall stability, selected inputs recorded fluctuations. Aggregate hardcore broken stone rose by 0.2 percent in December, while diesel prices increased slightly by 0.1 percent after earlier declines. Paints and related products also posted modest monthly gains.
In contrast, cement prices fell by 0.4 percent in December, deepening earlier declines, while roofing sheets dropped by 0.7 percent. Prices of nails, bolts and screws also declined by 0.6 percent, reversing increases seen a month earlier.
The figures suggest that while construction sector inflation remains muted, cost pressures continue to vary across materials, shaping project budgets and investment decisions in the industry.