Country Profile: Uganda

Uganda, located in East-Central Africa, is a landlocked country bordered by Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania. Its diverse population of approximately 49 million people comprises around 65 ethnic groups, primarily concentrated in the southern and central regions near major lakes such as Victoria and Albert. Economically, Uganda is primarily agrarian, rich in natural resources, but faces challenges such as endemic corruption and the aftermath of historical political turmoil. Governed as a presidential republic, Uganda has experienced relative stability since the late 1980s under President Yoweri Museveni, despite ongoing issues of governance and political dissent.

Geography

Uganda is characterized by its tropical climate and fertile soils, with a significant portion of its land lying on a plateau surrounded by mountains. The country has an area of 241,038 square kilometers and is landlocked, with no coastline but many lakes and rivers, including Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake in the world. The most populated areas are in the central and southern parts, particularly around major water bodies.

241,038 sq km: Total land area
71.9%: Agricultural land as of 2022
5,110 m: Highest point at Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley
47.1%: Electricity access for total population in 2022
16.5%: Population under 15 years of age (2024 estimate)

People and Society

With a population of approximately 49.3 million in 2024, Uganda has a youthful demographic, with a median age of 16.2 years. The population is ethnically diverse, with the largest ethnic group being the Baganda. English and Swahili are the official languages, reflecting the country's colonial history and regional influences. The religious landscape is also varied, with a significant proportion of Protestants and Roman Catholics.

39.6 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2024 estimate)
3.18%: Population growth rate (2024 estimate)
69.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate)
20.3%: Population below the poverty line (2019 estimate)
26.8%: Urban population as of 2023

Economy

Uganda's economy is largely agrarian, contributing significantly to the GDP but also vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices. The GDP was approximately $53.7 billion in 2024, with a real GDP growth rate of 6.1%. Despite its rich natural resources, including coffee and gold, the country continues to grapple with issues such as corruption and a high dependency on agriculture.

$53.7 billion: GDP (2024 estimate)
24.7%: Agriculture's contribution to GDP (2024 estimate)
3%: Unemployment rate (2024 estimate)
20.3%: Population below the poverty line (2019 estimate)
66.3%: Household consumption as a percentage of GDP (2024 estimate)

Government

Uganda is a presidential republic with a mixed legal system of English common law and customary law. The current president, Yoweri Museveni, has been in power since 1986, following decades of political instability. The country has a unicameral parliament consisting of 529 members, with universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and over. The political landscape is marked by significant opposition from various parties.

Yoweri Museveni: President since 1986
529: Total seats in the unicameral Parliament
34.1%: Percentage of women in Parliament
9 October 1962: Date of independence from the UK
5 years: Term for the President (no term limits)

Military and Security

The Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) serves as the country's military, supported by a police force that includes various units. Military spending is around 2% of GDP, with Uganda involved in several regional peacekeeping missions, notably in Somalia. The UPDF is constitutionally authorized to participate in various domestic and international operations.

45,000: Active military personnel (2025 estimate)
2%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2023 estimate)
5,000: Troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (2025)
2.6%: Total capacity of electricity from renewable sources (2023 estimate)
18-22 years: Age range for voluntary military service

Energy

Electricity generation in Uganda largely relies on hydroelectric power, which constitutes 86.6% of the installed capacity. However, access to electricity is limited, especially in rural areas, where only 35.9% of the population is electrified. The country is working on expanding its energy infrastructure.

1.452 million kW: Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023 estimate)
47.1%: Electrification of the total population (2022 estimate)
4.254 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 estimate)
400.349 million kWh: Electricity exports (2023 estimate)
2.6%: Capacity from fossil fuels (2023 estimate)

Environment

Uganda faces significant environmental challenges including deforestation, overgrazing, and pollution, particularly in Lake Victoria. The country has taken steps to engage in international environmental agreements to address climate change and preserve biodiversity.

71.9%: Agricultural land usage (2022)
60.1 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2020 estimate)
7,045,050 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2016 estimate)
422,703 tons: Municipal solid waste recycled annually (2017 estimate)
31.31 micrograms per cubic meter: Particulate matter emissions (2019 estimate)

Transportation

Uganda's transportation infrastructure includes a mix of roads, railways, and air travel, with an expanding network of civil aircraft. The railways, while limited, connect various regions, enhancing trade and mobility.

39: Number of airports (2025)
1,244 km: Total railway length (2014)
5X: Civil aircraft registration country code
1,116 billion kWh: Electricity transmission and distribution losses (2023 estimate)

Communications

The communications sector in Uganda has seen growth, with a significant rise in mobile subscriptions. However, internet penetration remains relatively low compared to the population size, indicating potential for expansion in digital services.

42.1 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 estimate)
15%: Internet users as a percentage of the population (2023 estimate)
116,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023 estimate)
258: Number of FM stations
44,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023 estimate)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	49,283,041 (2024 est.)
Area	241,038 sq km
GDP	$53.7 billion (2024 est.)	Official exchange rate
Energy Consumption	4.254 billion kWh (2023)	Total electricity consumption
Birth Rate	39.6 births/1,000	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3% (2024 est.)	Percentage of labor force
Life Expectancy	69.7 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	69.1% (2016 est.)
Military Expenditure	2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Urban Population	26.8% (2023 est.)