Dr. Margaret Nakiwala, PhD

Department of Urban and Regional Planning, The School of Built Environment, College of Engineering Design Art and Technology , Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. WhatsApp/Call+256701 813 430 +256785 559 083 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7018-5969 Institution Email: margaret.nakiwala@mak.ac.ug

Dr. Margaret Nakiwala, PhD

Lecturer

Research Interests: Housing economics, House Financing, Micro and Macroeconomic concepts, Development Economics

Biography

Dr. Margaret Nakiwala is a distinguished academic and researcher, currently serving as a lecturer at Makerere University in Uganda as a part time lecturer. With a profound expertise in Housing, House Financing, and Development Economics, Dr. Margaret has established herself as a leading figure in these fields.

Dr. Margaret holds a PhD in housing economics focused on House Mortgage Financing, a Master of Arts in Economic Policy and Planning, and a BSc in Quantitative Economics with a focus on both micro and macroeconomic principles as they apply to housing and development. Her academic journey has been marked by a commitment to understanding and addressing the complex economic challenges facing emerging economies, particularly in the realm of housing finance.

Throughout her career, Dr. Margaret has conducted extensive research on the dynamics of housing markets, the socio-economic factors influencing homeownership, and the impact of financial policies on housing affordability. Her work has provided valuable insights into how financial institutions and policy interventions can enhance housing accessibility and affordability for diverse populations.

Dr. Margaret’s research interests also encompass the broader economic trends and their implications on development. She has explored the relationship between economic growth and housing development, providing a nuanced understanding of how housing policies can drive sustainable development and improve living standards.

In addition to her research, Dr. Margaret is actively engaged in policy advisory roles. She collaborates with governmental and non-governmental organizations to develop and implement effective housing policies that address the needs of the community. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping housing strategies that promote economic growth and social equity.

Dr. Margaret has published scholarly articles in reputable journals and presented her research at international conferences, further solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in her field. Her dedication to bridging the gap between academic research and practical solutions has made her a valuable asset to both the academic and policy-making communities.

In her ongoing research, Dr. Margaret aims to explore innovative financing models and the potential of public-private partnerships in housing development. She is also interested in leveraging technology to enhance housing finance systems, ensuring that they are inclusive and sustainable.

Dr. Margaret’s commitment to education, research, and policy advocacy continues to drive her efforts to make meaningful contributions to the field of housing and development economics.

 

Education

  • PhD in Housing Economics with a major in mortgage financing. 2019-2024 awarded by makerere university Kampala Uganda 2019-2024
  • MA. in Economic Policy and Planning awarded by Makerere University, Kampala- Uganda- 2006-2008
  • BSc. in Quantitative Economics awarded by Makerere University, Kampala-Uganda-2001 to 2004

Other key skills training (Certification)

  • Pedagogical Skills, Advanced Quantitative Research, Philosophy of Methods, Advanced Qualitative Research, Scholarly Writing Skills

Research project history

  1. Collaborative Researcher for Innovation and Digitalization for Affordable Housing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Collaborating Universities: Liverpool John Moores University, University of Cape Town, Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and University of Johannesburg.
  1. Worked with GIZ to develop a strategy for full life performance of renewable energy systems in Northern Uganda. Worked as the Policy analyst on the project.

Publications

  1. Nakiwala, M. et al. (2025). Enhancing Mortgage Accessibility in Developing Economies: Insights from Bank Credit Professionals in Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda. Journal of Sustainable Cities and Built Environment, 03 (01), 01-23. Retrieved from http://jscbe.ku.edu.bh
  2. Nakiwala, M., Hailu, E., Wangadya, C., Haruna, C. A., & Kiggundu, A. T.,   (2025). Overcoming Challenges in Domesticating Agenda 2063: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Economic Growth in Africa. International Journal of Scientific and Management Research, 8(2), 166-180. http://doi.org/10.37502/ijsmr.2025.8212
  3. Nakiwala, M., Mukiibi, S., Elias, H., Kiggundu, A.  T.  & Charles, W. (2024). Advancing Agenda 2063 by Improving    Mortgage    Access  in Greater     Kampala:     A Logistic Regression Analysis of Eligibility and Developer Challenges. Journal of Project Management Practice, 4(2), 97-114. https://jrmg.um.edu.my/index.php/JPMP/article/view/56560 
  4. Nakiwala, M. (2024) Strategies for enhancing Mortgage Financing accessibility in Uganda: analyzing urban house developers awareness, challenges, and Bank credit professionals’ perceptions. http://hdl.handle.net/10570/13321
  5. Nakiwala, M., Mukiibi, S., Kiggundu, A., & Elias, H. (2023). Examining Awareness, Attitudes, and Challenges of Owner Developers Regarding Mortgage Financing Eligibility Terms in GKMA, Uganda. East African Journal of Business and Economics6(1), 456-472. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajbe.6.1.1512  
  6. Nakiwala, M., Mukiibi, S., & Kiggundu, A. (2022). Mortgage Financing: Access, Knowledge, Attitudes and Challenges Experienced by Urban Housing Developers. International Journal of Finance and Accounting1(1), 47-56. https://doi.org/10.37284/ijfa.1.1.1030

  7. Margaret Nakiwala et al (2025). Land Informality and Financial Exclusion Contributing to The Mortgage Dilemma in Uganda’s Housing Sector. International Journal of interdisciplinary studies. Volume 8, Issue 1, 2025. https://doi.org/10.37284/2707-5303

 

Professional Engagements:

Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Margaret is actively involved in policy advisory roles, working with governmental and non-governmental organizations to develop and implement effective housing policies. She is dedicated to translating her research findings into practical solutions that address real-world challenges in housing and economic development.

Future Research Directions:

Dr. Margaret aims to further investigate the impact of innovative financing models on housing accessibility and affordability. She is also interested in exploring the potential of public-private partnerships in housing development and the role of technology in enhancing housing finance systems