Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Uganda
CapitalKampala
Population51,384,894
GDP$62.0bn
Area241,038 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
An ancient crossroads for various migrations, Uganda has as many as 65 ethnic groups that speak languages from three of Africa’s four major linguistic families. As early as 1200, fertile soils and regular rainfall in the south fostered the formation of several large, centralized kingdoms, including Buganda, from which the country derives its name. Muslim traders from Egypt reached northern Uganda in the 1820s, and Swahili merchants from the Indian Ocean coast arrived in the south by the 1840s. The area attracted the attention of British explorers seeking the source of the Nile River in the 1860s, and this influence expanded in subsequent decades with the arrival of Christian missionaries and trade agreements; Uganda was declared a British protectorate in 1894. Buganda and other southern kingdoms negotiated agreements with Britain to secure privileges and a level of autonomy that were rare during the colonial period in Africa. Uganda's colonial boundaries grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures, and the disparities between how Britain governed southern and northern areas compounded these differences, complicating efforts to establish a cohesive independent country.
Uganda gained independence in 1962 with one of the more developed economies and one of the strongest education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it descended within a few years into political turmoil and internal conflict that lasted more than two decades. In 1966, Prime Minister Milton OBOTE suspended the constitution and violently deposed President Edward MUTESA, who was also the king of Buganda. Idi AMIN seized power in 1971 through a military coup and led the country into economic ruin and rampant mass atrocities that killed as many as 500,000 civilians. AMIN’s annexation of Tanzanian territory in 1979 provoked Tanzania to invade Uganda, depose AMIN, and install a coalition government. In the aftermath, Uganda continued to experience atrocities, looting, and political instability and had four different heads of state between 1979 and 1980. OBOTE regained the presidency in 1980 through a controversial election that sparked renewed guerrilla warfare, killing as an estimated 300,000 civilians. Gen. Tito OKELLO seized power in a coup in 1985, but his rule was short-lived, with Yoweri MUSEVENI becoming president in 1986 after his insurgency captured the capital. MUSEVENI is widely credited with restoring relative stability and economic growth to Uganda but has resisted calls to leave office. In 2017, parliament removed presidential age limits, making it possible for MUSEVENI to remain in office for life.
Reference: 2017, 1986, 1985, 1980Uganda gained independence in 1962 with one of the more developed economies and one of the strongest education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it descended within a few years into political turmoil and internal conflict that lasted more than two decades. In 1966, Prime Minister Milton OBOTE suspended the constitution and violently deposed President Edward MUTESA, who was also the king of Buganda. Idi AMIN seized power in 1971 through a military coup and led the country into economic ruin and rampant mass atrocities that killed as many as 500,000 civilians. AMIN’s annexation of Tanzanian territory in 1979 provoked Tanzania to invade Uganda, depose AMIN, and install a coalition government. In the aftermath, Uganda continued to experience atrocities, looting, and political instability and had four different heads of state between 1979 and 1980. OBOTE regained the presidency in 1980 through a controversial election that sparked renewed guerrilla warfare, killing as an estimated 300,000 civilians. Gen. Tito OKELLO seized power in a coup in 1985, but his rule was short-lived, with Yoweri MUSEVENI becoming president in 1986 after his insurgency captured the capital. MUSEVENI is widely credited with restoring relative stability and economic growth to Uganda but has resisted calls to leave office. In 2017, parliament removed presidential age limits, making it possible for MUSEVENI to remain in office for life.
Geography
Location
East-Central Africa, west of Kenya, east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Map references
Africa
Area
total: 241,038 sq km
land: 197,100 sq km
water: 43,938 sq km
land: 197,100 sq km
water: 43,938 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly more than two times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Oregon
Land boundaries
total: 2,729 km
border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 877 km; Kenya 814 km; Rwanda 172 km; South Sudan 475 km; Tanzania 391 km
border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 877 km; Kenya 814 km; Rwanda 172 km; South Sudan 475 km; Tanzania 391 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August); semiarid in northeast
Terrain
mostly plateau with rim of mountains
Elevation
highest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m
lowest point: Albert Nile 614 m
lowest point: Albert Nile 614 m
Natural resources
copper, cobalt, hydropower, limestone, salt, arable land, gold
Land use
agricultural land: 71.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 34.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 11% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 26.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.1% (2023 est.)
other: 16% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 34.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 11% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 26.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.1% (2023 est.)
other: 16% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
105 sq km (2013)
Reference: 2013Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lake Victoria (shared with Tanzania and Kenya) - 62,940 sq km; Lake Albert (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo) - 5,590 sq km; Lake Kyoga - 4,430 sq km; Lake Edward (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo) - 2,150 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Nile (shared with Rwanda [s], Tanzania, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt [m]) - 6,650 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km)
Population distribution
population density is relatively high in comparison to other African nations; most of the population is concentrated in the central and southern parts of the country, particularly along the shores of Lake Victoria and Lake Albert; the northeast is least populated, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
droughts; floods; earthquakes; landslides; hailstorms
Geography - note
landlocked; fertile, well-watered country with many lakes and rivers; Lake Victoria, the world's largest tropical lake and second-largest freshwater lake, is shared among three countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Ugandan(s)
adjective: Ugandan
adjective: Ugandan
Ethnic groups
Baganda 16.5%, Banyankole 9.6%, Basoga 8.8%, Bakiga 7.1%, Iteso 7%, Langi 6.3%, Bagisu 4.9%, Acholi 4.4%, Lugbara 3.3%, other 32.1% (2014 est.)
Reference: 2014Languages
English (official), Ganda or Luganda (most widely used of the Niger-Congo languages and the language used most often in the capital), other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili (official), Arabic
Religions
Protestant 45.1% (Anglican 32.0%, Pentecostal/Born Again/Evangelical 11.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.7%, Baptist .3%), Roman Catholic 39.3%, Muslim 13.7%, other 1.6%, none 0.2% (2014 est.)
Reference: 2014Age structure
0-14 years: 47% (male 11,747,745/female 11,427,932)
15-64 years: 50.6% (male 11,788,483/female 13,131,051)
65 years and over: 2.4% (2024 est.) (male 504,332/female 683,498)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 50.6% (male 11,788,483/female 13,131,051)
65 years and over: 2.4% (2024 est.) (male 504,332/female 683,498)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 97.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 93 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 4.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 21 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 93 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 4.8 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 21 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 16.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 15.5 years
female: 17.1 years
Reference: 2024male: 15.5 years
female: 17.1 years
Population growth rate
3.18% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
39.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
4.7 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
population density is relatively high in comparison to other African nations; most of the population is concentrated in the central and southern parts of the country, particularly along the shores of Lake Victoria and Lake Albert; the northeast is least populated, as shown in this population distribution map
Major urban areas - population
3.846 million KAMPALA (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
19.4 years (2016 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Reference: 2016note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Maternal mortality ratio
170 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
2.55 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 80.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 51.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 59.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 19.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 48.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 40.7% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 51.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 59.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 19.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 48.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 40.7% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.19 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 67.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 27.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 38.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 32.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 72.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 61.8% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 27.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 38.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 32.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 72.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 61.8% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 6.82 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.85 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 5.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0.85 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 5.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 4.5% (2025 est.)
male: 7.8% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
male: 7.8% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
9.7% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Currently married women (ages 15-49)
58.3% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 7.3% (2016)
women married by age 18: 34% (2016)
men married by age 18: 5.5% (2016)
Reference: 2016women married by age 18: 34% (2016)
men married by age 18: 5.5% (2016)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 9 years (2016 est.)
male: 10 years (2016 est.)
female: 9 years (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016male: 10 years (2016 est.)
female: 9 years (2016 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 1,796,597 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 22,209 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 10,284 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 22,209 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 10,284 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Nabbanja Robinah | — | 2021-06-00 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Yoweri Museveni | — | 1986-01-29 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Uganda
conventional short form: Uganda
etymology: the name is derived from the Swahili word u, meaning "land" or "country," and the Ganda people; the origin of the Ganda name is unclear
conventional short form: Uganda
etymology: the name is derived from the Swahili word u, meaning "land" or "country," and the Ganda people; the origin of the Ganda name is unclear
Capital
name: Kampala
geographic coordinates: 0 19 N, 32 33 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name is said to come from an African antelope, the impala
geographic coordinates: 0 19 N, 32 33 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name is said to come from an African antelope, the impala
Administrative divisions
134 districts and 1 capital city*; Abim, Adjumani, Agago, Alebtong, Amolatar, Amudat, Amuria, Amuru, Apac, Arua, Budaka, Bududa, Bugiri, Bugweri, Buhweju, Buikwe, Bukedea, Bukomansimbi, Bukwo, Bulambuli, Buliisa, Bundibugyo, Bunyangabu, Bushenyi, Busia, Butaleja, Butambala, Butebo, Buvuma, Buyende, Dokolo, Gomba, Gulu, Hoima, Ibanda, Iganga, Isingiro, Jinja, Kaabong, Kabale, Kabarole, Kaberamaido, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kalaki, Kalangala, Kaliro, Kalungu, Kampala*, Kamuli, Kamwenge, Kanungu, Kapchorwa, Kapelebyong, Karenga, Kasese, Kasanda, Katakwi, Kayunga, Kazo, Kibaale, Kiboga, Kibuku, Kikuube, Kiruhura, Kiryandongo, Kisoro, Kitagwenda, Kitgum, Koboko, Kole, Kotido, Kumi, Kwania, Kween, Kyankwanzi, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Kyotera, Lamwo, Lira, Luuka, Luwero, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Madi-Okollo, Manafwa, Maracha, Masaka, Masindi, Mayuge, Mbale, Mbarara, Mitooma, Mityana, Moroto, Moyo, Mpigi, Mubende, Mukono, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Namayingo, Namisindwa, Namutumba, Napak, Nebbi, Ngora, Ntoroko, Ntungamo, Nwoya, Obongi, Omoro, Otuke, Oyam, Pader, Pakwach, Pallisa, Rakai, Rubanda, Rubirizi, Rukiga, Rukungiri, Rwampara, Sembabule, Serere, Sheema, Sironko, Soroti, Tororo, Wakiso, Yumbe, Zombo
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and customary law
Constitution
history: several previous; latest adopted 27 September 1995, promulgated 8 October 1995
amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership in the second and third readings; proposals affecting "entrenched clauses," including the sovereignty of the people, supremacy of the constitution, human rights and freedoms, the democratic and multiparty form of government, presidential term of office, independence of the judiciary, and the institutions of traditional or cultural leaders, also requires passage by referendum, ratification by at least two-thirds majority vote of district council members in at least two thirds of Uganda's districts, and assent of the president of the republic
Reference: 1995amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership in the second and third readings; proposals affecting "entrenched clauses," including the sovereignty of the people, supremacy of the constitution, human rights and freedoms, the democratic and multiparty form of government, presidential term of office, independence of the judiciary, and the institutions of traditional or cultural leaders, also requires passage by referendum, ratification by at least two-thirds majority vote of district council members in at least two thirds of Uganda's districts, and assent of the president of the republic
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent or grandparent must be a native-born citizen of Uganda
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: an aggregate of 20 years and continuously for the last 2 years prior to applying for citizenship
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent or grandparent must be a native-born citizen of Uganda
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: an aggregate of 20 years and continuously for the last 2 years prior to applying for citizenship
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since 26 January 1986)
head of government: Prime Minister Robinah NABBANJA (since 14 June 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among elected members of Parliament or persons who qualify to be elected as members of Parliament
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (no term limits)
most recent election date: 14 January 2021
election results: 2021: Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (NRM) 58.6%, Robert Kyagulanyi SSENTAMU (aka Bobi WINE) (NUP) 34.8%, Patrick Oboi AMURIAT (FDC) 3.2%, other 3.4%
2016: Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (NRM) 60.6%, Kizza BESIGYE (FDC) 35.6%, other 3.8%
expected date of next election: 2026
Reference: 2026, 2021, 2016, 1986head of government: Prime Minister Robinah NABBANJA (since 14 June 2021)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among elected members of Parliament or persons who qualify to be elected as members of Parliament
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (no term limits)
most recent election date: 14 January 2021
election results: 2021: Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (NRM) 58.6%, Robert Kyagulanyi SSENTAMU (aka Bobi WINE) (NUP) 34.8%, Patrick Oboi AMURIAT (FDC) 3.2%, other 3.4%
2016: Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (NRM) 60.6%, Kizza BESIGYE (FDC) 35.6%, other 3.8%
expected date of next election: 2026
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 529 (499 directly elected; 30 indirectly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 1/14/2021 to 1/18/2021
parties elected and seats per party: National Resistance Movement (NRM) (336); National Unity Platform (NUP) (57); Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) (32); Independents (74); Other (30)
percentage of women in chamber: 34.1%
expected date of next election: January 2026
Reference: 2026, 2021legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 529 (499 directly elected; 30 indirectly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 1/14/2021 to 1/18/2021
parties elected and seats per party: National Resistance Movement (NRM) (336); National Unity Platform (NUP) (57); Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) (32); Independents (74); Other (30)
percentage of women in chamber: 34.1%
expected date of next election: January 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Uganda (consists of the chief justice and at least 6 justices)
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president of the republic in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, an 8-member independent advisory body, and approved by the National Assembly; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal (also acts as the Constitutional Court); High Court (includes 12 High Court Circuits and 8 High Court Divisions); Industrial Court; Chief Magistrate Grade One and Grade Two Courts throughout the country; qadhis courts; local council courts; family and children courts
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president of the republic in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, an 8-member independent advisory body, and approved by the National Assembly; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal (also acts as the Constitutional Court); High Court (includes 12 High Court Circuits and 8 High Court Divisions); Industrial Court; Chief Magistrate Grade One and Grade Two Courts throughout the country; qadhis courts; local council courts; family and children courts
Political parties
Democratic Party or DP
Forum for Democratic Change or FDC
Justice Forum or JEEMA
National Resistance Movement or NRM
National Unity Platform
People's Progressive Party or PPP
Uganda People's Congress or UPC
Forum for Democratic Change or FDC
Justice Forum or JEEMA
National Resistance Movement or NRM
National Unity Platform
People's Progressive Party or PPP
Uganda People's Congress or UPC
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Robie KAKONGE (since 12 December 2022)
chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100
FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727
email address and website: washington@mofa.go.ug
https://washington.mofa.go.ug/
Reference: 2022chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100
FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727
email address and website: washington@mofa.go.ug
https://washington.mofa.go.ug/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador William W. POPP (since 20 September 2023)
embassy: 1577 Ggaba Road, Kampala
mailing address: 2190 Kampala Place, Washington DC 20521-2190
telephone: [256] (0) 312-306-001
FAX: [256] (0) 414-259-794
email address and website: KampalaWebContact@state.gov
https://ug.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2023embassy: 1577 Ggaba Road, Kampala
mailing address: 2190 Kampala Place, Washington DC 20521-2190
telephone: [256] (0) 312-306-001
FAX: [256] (0) 414-259-794
email address and website: KampalaWebContact@state.gov
https://ug.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, ATMIS, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITC, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCDF, UNCTAD, UNECA, UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNOCI, UNOPS, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFP, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
9 October 1962 (from the UK)
Reference: 1962National holiday
Independence Day, 9 October (1962)
Reference: 1962Flag
description: six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red, black, yellow, and red; a white disk is at the center and shows a grey crowned crane (the national symbol)
meaning: black stands for the African people, yellow for sunshine and vitality, and red for African brotherhood
meaning: black stands for the African people, yellow for sunshine and vitality, and red for African brotherhood
National symbol(s)
grey crowned crane
National color(s)
black, yellow, red
National anthem(s)
title: "O Uganda, Land of Beauty!"
lyrics/music: George Wilberforce KAKOMOA
history: adopted 1962; one of the shortest national anthems in the world
Reference: 1962lyrics/music: George Wilberforce KAKOMOA
history: adopted 1962; one of the shortest national anthems in the world
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 3 (1 cultural, 2 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (n); Rwenzori Mountains National Park (n); Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (n); Rwenzori Mountains National Park (n); Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (c)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Uganda | — | 529 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
low-income, primarily agrarian East African economy; COVID-19 hurt economic growth and poverty reduction; lower oil prices threaten prior sector investments; endemic corruption; natural resource rich; high female labor force participation but undervalued
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $144.137 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $135.803 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $128.923 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $135.803 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $128.923 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $2,900 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $2,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $2,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $2,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $2,700 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 24.7% (2024 est.)
industry: 24.9% (2024 est.)
services: 43.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 24.9% (2024 est.)
services: 43.1% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 66.3% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 10% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 21.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.8% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 16.9% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -24.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 10% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 21.5% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.8% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 16.9% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -24.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
plantains, sugarcane, milk, maize, cassava, sweet potatoes, vegetables, beans, potatoes, tea (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
sugar processing, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles; cement, steel production
Industrial production growth rate
4.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
22.829 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 4.5% (2024 est.)
male: 3.5% (2024 est.)
female: 5.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 3.5% (2024 est.)
female: 5.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
20.3% (2019 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2019note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2019: 42.7 (2019 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2019note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 38.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 1.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 1.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.4% (2019 est.)
highest 10%: 34.5% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2019highest 10%: 34.5% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 2.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 2.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $7.616 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $10.043 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $10.043 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 53.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
13% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$3.766 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$4.064 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.605 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$4.064 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.605 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $9.084 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $6.116 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.231 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $6.116 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.231 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
India 21%, UAE 16%, Hong Kong 10%, South Sudan 8%, Kenya 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, coffee, fish, refined petroleum, tobacco (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $13.853 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $11.079 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $10.62 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $11.079 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $10.62 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 19%, UAE 12%, Tanzania 11%, India 10%, Kenya 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, gold, plastics, packaged medicine, palm oil (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2018: $3.359 billion (2018 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2017: $3.721 billion (2017 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2016: $3.098 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2018, 2017, 2016Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2017: $3.721 billion (2017 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2016: $3.098 billion (2016 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $10.469 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Ugandan shillings (UGX) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 3,757.263 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 3,726.14 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 3,689.817 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 3,587.052 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 3,718.249 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 3,757.263 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 3,726.14 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 3,689.817 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 3,587.052 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 3,718.249 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$3.766 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$4.064 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.605 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$4.064 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.605 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $9.084 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $6.116 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.231 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $6.116 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $6.231 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
India 21%, UAE 16%, Hong Kong 10%, South Sudan 8%, Kenya 6% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
gold, coffee, fish, refined petroleum, tobacco (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $13.853 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $11.079 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $10.62 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $11.079 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $10.62 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 19%, UAE 12%, Tanzania 11%, India 10%, Kenya 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, gold, plastics, packaged medicine, palm oil (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 1.452 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 4.254 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 400.349 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 23.289 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.116 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 4.254 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 400.349 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 23.289 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.116 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 86.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 86.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 19 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 100 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 19 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 799.999 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 100 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 19 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 799.999 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 44,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 2.5 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021crude oil estimated reserves: 2.5 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
proven reserves: 14.158 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 2.252 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 116,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
170 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.7% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.19 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Reference: 2022Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 4.5% (2025 est.)
male: 7.8% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
male: 7.8% (2025 est.)
female: 1.5% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 9 years (2016 est.)
male: 10 years (2016 est.)
female: 9 years (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016male: 10 years (2016 est.)
female: 9 years (2016 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of English common law and customary law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of Uganda (consists of the chief justice and at least 6 justices)
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president of the republic in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, an 8-member independent advisory body, and approved by the National Assembly; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal (also acts as the Constitutional Court); High Court (includes 12 High Court Circuits and 8 High Court Divisions); Industrial Court; Chief Magistrate Grade One and Grade Two Courts throughout the country; qadhis courts; local council courts; family and children courts
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president of the republic in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, an 8-member independent advisory body, and approved by the National Assembly; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal (also acts as the Constitutional Court); High Court (includes 12 High Court Circuits and 8 High Court Divisions); Industrial Court; Chief Magistrate Grade One and Grade Two Courts throughout the country; qadhis courts; local council courts; family and children courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF): Land Force (includes marines), Air Force, Special Forces Command, Reserve Force
Ministry of Internal Affairs: Uganda Police Force (2025)
note: note 1: the Special Forces Command is a separate branch within the UPDF; it evolved from the former Presidential Guard Brigade and has continued to retain presidential protection duties in addition to its traditional missions, such as counterinsurgency
note 2: the Uganda Police Force includes air, field, territorial, and marine units, as well as a presidential guard force
note 3: in 2018, President MUSEVENI created a volunteer force of Local Defense Units under the military to beef up local security in designated parts of the country
Reference: 2025, 2018Ministry of Internal Affairs: Uganda Police Force (2025)
note: note 1: the Special Forces Command is a separate branch within the UPDF; it evolved from the former Presidential Guard Brigade and has continued to retain presidential protection duties in addition to its traditional missions, such as counterinsurgency
note 2: the Uganda Police Force includes air, field, territorial, and marine units, as well as a presidential guard force
note 3: in 2018, President MUSEVENI created a volunteer force of Local Defense Units under the military to beef up local security in designated parts of the country
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2023: 2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2019: 1.7% of GDP (2019 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020Military Expenditures 2022: 2.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2019: 1.7% of GDP (2019 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 45,000 active Defense Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the UPDF's inventory is mix of older and some more modern weapons and equipment; it is comprised mostly of Russian/Soviet-era arms with smaller quantities of Chinese, Israeli, North Korean, South African, UK, US, and domestically-produced items; Uganda has a small defense industry that assembles or manufactures light armored vehicles and performs maintenance on some military equipment, including its Russian-made helicopters (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-22 years of age for voluntary military duty for men and women; 9-year service obligation (2025)
Military deployments
up to 5,000 Democratic Republic of Congo; up to 4,500 Somalia (African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia or AUSSOM) (2025)
Military - note
the responsibilities of the Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) include defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, assisting the civilian authorities in emergencies and natural disasters, contributing to regional security, participating in socio-economic development projects, conducting military diplomacy, and ensuring internal security, including civil unrest, internal insurgency, and terrorism; in recent years it has beefed up its presence along the borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan; the UPDF participates in African and UN peacekeeping missions and is a key contributor to the East Africa Standby Force; the UPDF is constitutionally granted seats in parliament and is widely viewed as a key constituency for MUSEVENI; it has been used to break up rallies, raid opposition offices, and surveil rival candidates
the military traces its history back to the formation of the Uganda Rifles in 1895 under the British colonial government; the Uganda Rifles were merged with the Central Africa Regiment and the East Africa Rifles to form the King’s African Rifles (KAR) in 1902, which participated in both world wars, as well as the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya (1952-1960); in 1962, the Ugandan battalion of the KAR was transformed into the country's first military force, the Uganda Rifles, which was subsequently renamed the Uganda Army; the UPDF was established in 1995 from the former rebel National Resistance Army following the enactment of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1995, 1962, 1960the military traces its history back to the formation of the Uganda Rifles in 1895 under the British colonial government; the Uganda Rifles were merged with the Central Africa Regiment and the East Africa Rifles to form the King’s African Rifles (KAR) in 1902, which participated in both world wars, as well as the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya (1952-1960); in 1962, the Ugandan battalion of the KAR was transformed into the country's first military force, the Uganda Rifles, which was subsequently renamed the Uganda Army; the UPDF was established in 1995 from the former rebel National Resistance Army following the enactment of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Robie KAKONGE (since 12 December 2022)
chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100
FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727
email address and website: washington@mofa.go.ug
https://washington.mofa.go.ug/
Reference: 2022chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100
FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727
email address and website: washington@mofa.go.ug
https://washington.mofa.go.ug/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador William W. POPP (since 20 September 2023)
embassy: 1577 Ggaba Road, Kampala
mailing address: 2190 Kampala Place, Washington DC 20521-2190
telephone: [256] (0) 312-306-001
FAX: [256] (0) 414-259-794
email address and website: KampalaWebContact@state.gov
https://ug.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2023embassy: 1577 Ggaba Road, Kampala
mailing address: 2190 Kampala Place, Washington DC 20521-2190
telephone: [256] (0) 312-306-001
FAX: [256] (0) 414-259-794
email address and website: KampalaWebContact@state.gov
https://ug.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, ATMIS, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITC, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCDF, UNCTAD, UNECA, UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNOCI, UNOPS, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFP, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1962-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1962-10-25 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, ATMIS, AU, C, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITC, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCDF, UNCTAD, UNECA, UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNOCI, UNOPS, UNSOM, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFP, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 1,796,597 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 22,209 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 10,284 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 22,209 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 10,284 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
al-Shabaab; Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham - Democratic Republic of Congo (ISIS-DRC)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
5X
Airports
39 (2025)
Railways
total: 1,244 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 1,244 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
Reference: 2014narrow gauge: 1,244 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
Environment
Environmental issues
draining of wetlands for agricultural use; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial discharge and water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; widespread poaching
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification
Climate
tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August); semiarid in northeast
Land use
agricultural land: 71.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 34.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 11% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 26.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.1% (2023 est.)
other: 16% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 34.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 11% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 26.5% (2023 est.)
forest: 12.1% (2023 est.)
other: 16% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 26.8% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 5.41% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 5.41% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 6.354 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: -398 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 6.354 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: -398 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 6.354 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
31.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 7.045 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.1% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.1% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 328 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 50 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 259 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 50 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 259 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
60.1 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 116,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Broadcast media
public broadcaster, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), operates radio and TV networks; 31 Free-To-Air (FTA) TV stations, 2 digital terrestrial TV stations, 3 cable TV stations, and 5 digital satellite TV stations; 258 FM stations
Internet country code
.ug
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 38,799,152 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 40,177,388 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 41,565,831 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 42,999,637 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 44,457,152 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 45,910,930 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 47,312,719 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 48,656,601 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 50,015,092 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 51,384,894 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $29,203,988,696 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $30,744,473,841 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $32,927,025,620 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $35,353,061,003 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $37,600,368,242 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $40,529,788,749 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $45,565,333,211 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $48,768,955,863 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $53,911,907,079 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $61,985,829,288 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,776,038 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 2,057,759 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 247,275 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 294,857 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 446,491 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 477,529 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 582,479 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 619,064 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 586,241 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 578,034 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 123,379 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 92,879 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 60,724 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 107,210 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 43,464 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 43,464 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -118,843 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -126,181 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -117,924 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -119,059 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 51,384,894 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 52,761,470 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 47,123,531 | 2021 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 2,057,759 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 4.1% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 578,034 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -119,059 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 1,936,719 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 35,249 | 2025 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 12,792 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 11,401 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.432 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | -0.579 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | -0.448 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | -0.079 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 0.764 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | -0.120 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.064 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Male illegal since 1 April 1902 (as the Protectorate of Uganda); Female illegal since 8 December 2000; Penalty: Up to Capital punishment for "aggravated homosexuality" | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 2005 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $61,985,829,288 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $1,206 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 6.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 3.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Low income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 68.5 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 4.2 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 31.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 8.9% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 21.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 28.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 50.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 77.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 24.1% | 2007 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 2.6% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 55.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 95 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 90.9% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 4.2% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 35.9 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 11.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 83.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 0.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 54 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 0.3143° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 32.5729° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 1.2800° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 32.3900° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+03:00, Africa/Kampala | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | presidential system | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:33