In order to address the current needs of the association, an analysis was necessary to establish its current status to identify areas of intervention.
I. The Secretariat
This is the administrative unit of AREA-U that carries out the day to day activities of the organization. The Secretariat is situated in Kampala, Plot 26, Buganda Road, Park Royal Building, Ground Floor, and Room 106.
The Secretariat is currently understaffed and lacks adequate facilitation. We have three staff including the CEO, Head of programs and Public relations officer who are inadequately paid.
The general facilities including finances, furniture and space are inadequate as we do not have space that can be used for meetings, library and training.
We have accumulated salary and other debts from as far back as 2015 to date and there has been high staff turnover as a result. Most staff who left are demanding payment of their salary arrears.
II. Real Estate Institute of East Africa (REIA)
This is the training arm of the association that is tasked to impart members with practical knowledge in real estate practice.
Currently the institution is hosted at the secretariat. It has two volunteer staff supported by external trainers and therefore understaffed. The institute lacks space for classroom facilities and staff, furniture and finances to run its day to day activities.
Office expenses are met by AREA-U and the Executive Director of REIA who also caters for all costs involved in curriculum development.
So far the first intake of students which is purely free of charge apart from registration and examination fees started in February 2018 to May 2018. There were 87 participants registered although some have since dropped off leaving about 70 participants.
III. Area Women Council
This is the Women arm of the organization that caters for and supports the unique needs of women in the real estate industry. The same is hosted at the secretariat.
IV. Area Investment Club
This is established to create a SACCO where members can save and invest. It is yet to take off.
V. Area Assets
The association has limited assets which include a few office desks and chairs, an old Desktop computer and printer. We need to build the Asset base.
VI. Area Membership
The total membership is about 400 members, 300 being companies. Our membership fees were revised by the new board to Ugsh 500,000 for Bronze, Ugsh 800,000 Silver & Ugsh 1,000,000 Gold (Corporate Members), Ugsh 1,200,000 for Developers, Ugsh 1,500,000 (Associate members) and Ugsh 200,000UGX (Individual Members)