Country Profile: Uganda

Uganda, located in East-Central Africa, is a landlocked nation characterized by its diverse geography that includes fertile plateaus and numerous lakes, most notably Lake Victoria. With a population of approximately 49.3 million, Uganda is home to a wide array of ethnic groups and languages. The economy remains primarily agrarian, but it has shown growth potential despite setbacks from political instability and external shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic. Governed as a presidential republic, Uganda's political landscape has been shaped by historical conflicts and ongoing governance challenges.

Geography

Uganda is situated in East-Central Africa, bordered by Kenya to the east and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. The country spans a total area of 241,038 sq km, with a landscape mostly characterized by plateaus and several significant lakes. Uganda's tropical climate features rainy seasons and semi-arid regions in the northeast, bolstering its rich agricultural resources.

Lakes: Home to Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake in the world.
Elevation: Highest point is 5,110 m at Margherita Peak.
Natural Resources: Rich in copper, cobalt, and gold.
Land Use: 71.9% of the land is agricultural.
Boundaries: Shares land borders totaling 2,729 km with five countries.

People and Society

Uganda's population is estimated at 49,283,041 as of 2024, with a relatively young median age of 16.2 years. The diverse population comprises about 65 ethnic groups, with the Baganda being the largest. English and Swahili are official languages, alongside several indigenous languages. The country is predominantly Christian, though there is a notable Muslim minority.

Urbanization: 26.8% of the population lives in urban areas.
Birth Rate: 39.6 births per 1,000 population.
Life Expectancy: Average of 69.7 years.
Dependency Ratio: Total dependency ratio stands at 97.8.
Literacy Rate: Approximately 69.1% as of 2016.

Economy

Uganda's economy is largely agricultural, but it is also rich in natural resources. Real GDP is projected to reach $144.137 billion in 2024, with growth driven by both the agricultural and service sectors. However, issues such as corruption and external economic shocks remain barriers to sustainable development.

GDP Per Capita: Estimated at $2,900 in 2024.
Unemployment Rate: About 3% as of 2024.
Poverty Rate: 20.3% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Exports: Total exports valued at $9.084 billion in 2023.
Inflation Rate: Expected to be 3.3% in 2024.

Government

Uganda is a presidential republic with a history marked by political turmoil. Yoweri Museveni has been in power since 1986, positioning the country for stability but also prompting concerns about democratic governance. The legal system combines English common law and customary law, with a mixed electoral process.

Capital: Kampala.
Legislative Structure: A unicameral Parliament with 529 seats.
Suffrage: Universal suffrage at 18 years.
Constitution: Adopted on October 8, 1995.
International Participation: Active in multiple global organizations.

Military and Security

The Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) is the primary military branch, responsible for national defense and internal security. Military spending is about 2% of GDP as of 2023, and the force participates in peacekeeping missions in the region.

Active Personnel: Approximately 45,000 in the UPDF.
Military Age: Service is voluntary from ages 18-22.
Military Deployments: Engaged in missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia.
Equipment: Mix of older and modern military technology primarily from Russia and allies.

Energy

Uganda's energy sector is dominated by hydroelectric power, which accounts for 86.6% of its installed capacity. Despite significant potential for growth, access to electricity remains limited, especially in rural areas.

Electricity Access: 47.1% of the population has access to electricity.
Installed Capacity: 1.452 million kW as of 2023.
Energy Consumption: Total energy consumption is about 2.252 million Btu/person in 2023.
Renewable Energy Usage: Predominantly from hydroelectric sources.

Environment

Uganda faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. The country's commitment to international environmental agreements reflects its efforts to address these issues.

Wetlands: Draining for agriculture is a major concern.
Climate: Tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Biodiversity: Home to diverse ecosystems, part of multiple conservation treaties.

Transportation

Uganda's transport infrastructure includes a network of railways and numerous airports, facilitating domestic and international travel.

Airports: Total of 39 airports by 2025.
Railways: Extent of 1,244 km primarily of narrow gauge.

Communications

Communications in Uganda are expanding with a growing number of mobile subscriptions and broadcast media outlets, though Internet access remains limited.

Mobile Subscriptions: Approximately 42.1 million as of 2023.
Fixed-line Telephones: Only 116,000 fixed-line subscriptions reported.
Internet Users: Estimated at 15% of the population.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	49,283,041 (2024 est.)
Area	241,038 sq km
GDP	$144.137 billion (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	47.1%
Unemployment Rate	3%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	39.6 births/1,000 people	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	69.7 years	(2024 est.)
Poverty Rate	20.3%	(2019 est.)
Military Expenditures	2% of GDP	(2023 est.)
Natural Resources	Copper, gold, fertile land