SERI and ICF host SSA delegates from Uganda for Housing Rights Exchange Visit.
From 17 to 21 August 2026, delegates from Shelter and Settlements Alternatives (SSA) in Uganda visited the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) and Inner City Federation (ICF) in Johannesburg for a week-long exchange. The visit provided an opportunity to share experiences, learn from different approaches to housing rights’ work, and strengthen connections between organisations supporting communities.
During the exchange, the SSA delegates learned about the context in which people living in inner-city buildings experience access to housing and basic services. Through engagements with SERI and ICF, they gained insight into the challenges faced by inner-city communities and the approaches used to support and advocate for their rights.
A key moment of the visit was the launch of the ICF Women’s Desk, which showcased its work and relationships with key stakeholders. The delegates also met with Women’s Desk volunteers, learning about their role in supporting community members to appropriately address socioeconomic issues and strengthen women’s participation in housing rights issues.
The programme included visits to building sites where ICF works with clients. These visits provided an opportunity for the delegates to hear directly from residents about their experiences of living in inner-city buildings and the challenges they face. The engagements helped connect the broader discussions around housing rights with the lived realities of affected communities.
The exchange highlighted the value of cross-border learning, solidarity and shared experiences in strengthening efforts to advance housing rights and support communities.
This workshop forms part of the Women’s Spaces project at SERI which focuses on women’s rights to land and housing in sub-Saharan Africa. The project is supported by Rooftops Canada and Global Affairs Canada.
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