The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has released the final results of the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, providing a comprehensive overview of the country’s demographic and socio-economic status. The findings, published on December 31, are intended to guide planning and decision-making at all levels of government and contribute to Uganda’s Vision 2040 and other development frameworks.
The census, conducted in line with international standards, surveyed all households and individuals across Uganda. Its objectives included determining the size, structure, and distribution of the population, evaluating housing conditions and access to services, monitoring socio-economic changes since the previous census, and enhancing Uganda's statistical capacity for future data collection.
The results reveal that Uganda’s population as of May 2024 stood at 45,905,417, reflecting an annual growth rate of 2.9% since 2014. The population remains predominantly youthful, with 50% under 18 years old and only 5% aged 60 and above. This demographic underscores both opportunities and challenges, with a need for focused investments in youth-oriented services.
In terms of housing and living conditions, 81.1% of households have access to improved water sources. Electricity access stands at 53.4%, though only 25.3% of households are connected to the national grid, while 28.1% rely on solar energy. These figures highlight the strides made in infrastructure development while pointing to gaps that require attention.
Education and literacy have shown progress, with 74% of individuals aged 10 and above being able to read and write in any language. However, socio-economic challenges persist, with 33.1% of households engaged in subsistence economies and 12% of individuals aged 10 and above exhibiting signs of psychological distress. These statistics emphasize the need for targeted mental health and economic empowerment initiatives.
The census also provided insights into Uganda’s labor force. Of the 25,494,490 individuals aged 15 and above, 57.4% are engaged in the labor market. However, unemployment remains a concern at 12.3%, particularly among youth aged 15-24 years, where 42.6%—about 4 million individuals—are neither employed, in school, nor receiving training. This figure underscores the urgency of addressing education and employment opportunities to harness the potential of Uganda's youthful population.
Experts suggest that the data from the 2024 census will be instrumental in addressing socio-economic disparities and formulating policies aimed at improving the quality of life for all Ugandans. UBOS officials reaffirmed the importance of this data, stating that it will serve as a foundation for creating evidence-based policies and programs tailored to the country's needs.
As Uganda charts its development path, the census findings offer an invaluable resource for addressing critical challenges and leveraging opportunities to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development.
