Container Haus Uganda Offers Unique Short-Term Rentals

Asher and Eric had a dream to build a home for their family in Uganda, but the idea of tackling a shipping container house initially felt like an ambitious challenge. When the opportunity arose to use a 40-foot shipping container that had once carried medical supplies for their nonprofit organization, they seized it. What began as a family home evolved into a dual-purpose space—serving as their part-time residence and a popular short-term rental when they were away.

Why Choose a Shipping Container for Construction

The couple considered traditional brick-and-mortar construction before the container option presented itself. They were drawn to the durability, security, and creative potential of container homes. Having prior DIY experience in home building, Asher and Eric felt confident about transforming the container into a liveable space with the help of local friends.

The shipping container was initially used to store donated medical supplies for Sole Hope, a nonprofit Asher founded to combat foot-related diseases in Jinja, Uganda. Once emptied, it became the perfect foundation for their home-building project.

The Unique Design of Container Haus Uganda

The home is a hybrid design that incorporates both container and traditional construction methods. The container itself forms the front portion of the home, while the back is built with brick and cement, providing the same square footage as the container. The total size is 640 square feet, with two bedrooms, one bathroom, and 100 square feet reserved for storage.

The elevated design places the container on concrete slabs four feet off the ground, providing an improved view and added ventilation. A spacious front porch offers a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience, even during heavy rains. Designed entirely by Asher, without professional architects or engineers, the home embraces functionality and aesthetic appeal, tailored to the tropical climate.

Building the Home: Timeline and Challenges

Construction on the home began after securing water and electricity connections to the land. Before utilities were in place, the couple relied on a generator to power tools during the early stages of construction. A crane was used to position the container on its concrete base, marking the start of a rapid six-week building process. Eric worked tirelessly on the home, putting in eight-hour days, seven days a week. Despite challenges, including the cost of running a generator and additional expenses for raising the container, the couple stayed within their budget by paying cash for the project.

Costs and Key Considerations in Container Construction

The total cost of Container Haus Uganda, including land and utility connections, was approximately $30,000. While the couple initially believed container construction would be less expensive than traditional methods, they found that certain design choices—like elevating the container—added to the overall cost. However, the unmatched durability and security of the container justified the investment.

Hosting Guests at Container Haus Uganda

Located in Jinja, a popular tourist destination known as the source of the Nile River, Container Haus Uganda has quickly become a sought-after short-term rental. Its location offers easy access to whitewater rafting, safaris, and cultural landmarks like Gandhi’s garden.

The couple equipped the home with features designed to enhance guest experiences, such as a Schlage smart lock for easy access and a high-pressure hot shower. They’ve hosted visitors from around the world, including budget-conscious travelers and volunteers working with local nonprofits.

Despite being in operation for just seven months, the rental has achieved a 90% occupancy rate on Airbnb. Guests are drawn to its modern amenities, affordable pricing, and unique container design, which provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of Uganda. Container Haus Uganda is not just a home; it’s a place of rest, rejuvenation, and inspiration for all who stay there.