The Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has officially released the findings of the 2024 National Housing and Population Census, revealing that Uganda’s population has soared to 45,904,417, marking an increase of approximately 11.3 million people since the last census in 2014.
This digital census, the first of its kind in the country, represents a significant step forward in data collection and analysis, with results published just a week after enumeration, a stark contrast to the six months typically required for manual processes.
The launch event, held at Serena Hotel in Kampala, featured remarks from Dr. Chris Mukiza, who presented the report, highlighting crucial demographic trends within the Ugandan population.
“Fifty percent of our population consists of young children,” he stated, urging the government to prioritize educational planning for this demographic. Youth aged 18 to 30 comprise 23% of the total population, while individuals aged 31 to 59 account for 21.5%. Only 1% of the population is aged 60 and above.
The census, which included more than 40 questions to inform the upcoming National Development Plan 4 (NDP 4), reported an impressive 99.2% enumeration success rate.
However, challenges persist, with illiteracy rates rising to 74% from 63.7% in 2014, and unemployment at 12.6%. Yet, positive indicators emerged, with 81% of households having access to safe water and 62% relying on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon Robbinah Nabanja attributed the population increase to the government’s focus on healthcare, specifically initiatives aimed at immunization and improving health facilities.
She urged government agencies to leverage these census findings to inform policy and ensure that vulnerable populations benefit from government programs.
UNFPA Country Representative Ms. Gift Mulunga praised UBOS for their timely release of the results, emphasizing their potential to guide Uganda’s strategies in achieving sustainable development goals.
