ABSTRACT
This chapter applies the human security standpoint to the East African urban context, examining how this concept can be employed in housing deprivation for low-income households. The chapter examines low-income housing and the practices of low-income households and evaluates both the potential and limitations of housing as a means toward human security. Human security like human rights’ aims at realizing the inherent dignity of all human beings. The right to adequate housing is defined as every person’s right to acquire a decent and secure home and community where they can live in peace and dignity. Sustained rapid growth in East Africa has led to severe housing shortages, unrestrained housing sprawl, flooding, among others. East African cities display high levels of poverty and inequality, and informal settlements are growing rapidly. Sprawling houses encroach on the wetlands resulting in the flooding of housing areas, thus jeopardizing human security. This chapter analyses Kampala’s low-income housing areas with the aim of developing house types that can be both adequate for low-income households and also prevent urban sprawl and the resultant vulnerabilities. For urban poverty and household vulnerability to be reduced, effective urban planning should be emphasized. Findings deduce the importance of considering specific community needs during urban planning. Governments and other authorities should understand and identify the possibility of bottom-up schemes such that realities on the ground in East African cities are recognized by regulatory guidelines.
