Youthful Boom: Implications of Uganda’s 2024 Census on Socio-Economic Development

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has released the main results of the 2024 National Census this morning at Serena hotel in Kampala, revealing that Uganda’s population has grown significantly to 45.9 million, up from 34.6 million in 2014. This growth of 11.3 million people over the last decade reflects several demographic shifts and presents opportunities and challenges for the country. This marks the 6^th National Census since the country got independence in 1962. In Uganda census is carried out after every 10 years.

Key Highlights of the Census

1. Population Growth: Uganda’s population grew at an average annual rate of 2.9%, a slight decrease from the 3.0% rate recorded in 2014. The current population includes 21.5 million males and 24.3 million females, with females making up 51% of the total. The average household size has decreased slightly to 4.4 persons.

2. Literacy and Illiteracy Levels: The 2024 Census indicates a literacy rate of 77.8%, a moderate increase from 74% in 2014. Literacy is significantly higher among males (82%) compared to females (74%), highlighting a gender gap that requires attention. Despite this improvement, about 22.2% of the population remains illiterate, with rural areas showing lower literacy rates compared to urban centers. The government aims to bridge this gap by improving access to quality education, particularly in marginalized communities.
3. Teenage Childbearing and Pregnancy: Teenage childbearing remains a significant concern, with 23% of girls aged 15-19 having given birth or being pregnant. This rate is more prevalent in rural areas and among girls with lower levels of education. The census highlights the need for greater investment in reproductive health services, education, and awareness programs to reduce teenage pregnancies, which are often linked to school dropout rates and reduced socio-economic prospects for young girls.

1. Demographic Composition: Uganda continues to have a predominantly young population. Children aged 0-17 years constitute 50.5% of the total population, while youths aged 18-30 years make up 23.5%. Only 5% of the population is aged 60 years and above. Having the total number of Households in Uganda totals to 10,698,913. The working-age population (14-64 years) represents 55.6%, which indicates a potential demographic dividend if these individuals are productively employed.
2. Urbanization Trends: Kampala remains the most populous city, with over 1.8 million residents and a daily influx of more than 600,000 visitors. Urban areas like Mbarara and Gulu have also experienced growth, reflecting increasing urbanization across the country.
3. Regional Disparities: The census highlighted differences in population growth across regions. Buganda remains the most populous region with 11.1 million people, followed by Ankole and Busoga. Regions like Mbarara have shown rapid growth, partly driven by improvements in healthcare and education. Urbanization in Kampala and other cities like Masaka indicates economic opportunities that attract more people.

Implications for Uganda

The 2024 Census results have significant implications for Uganda’s future. The high percentage of children and youth suggests that Uganda will continue to have a youthful population for decades to come. This presents an opportunity for economic growth if the country can invest in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities to harness the potential of its young workforce.

However, the high population growth poses challenges, including increased pressure on public services, housing, and infrastructure. The decline in household size might indicate changes in family structures and preferences, which could impact housing needs and social services.

The urbanization trends reflect the need for more investment in urban infrastructure and services to accommodate the growing number of people moving to cities. This requires strategic planning to manage urban sprawl and ensure access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity.

Furthermore, the slight decrease in the population growth rate and the use of digital technology in conducting the census point to improvements in healthcare and efficiency in data collection processes. These advancements could enhance policy planning and resource allocation, helping Uganda address its socio-economic challenges more effectively.

The 2024 Census provides a valuable snapshot of Uganda’s demographic landscape, helping policymakers make informed decisions to promote sustainable development in the face of rapid population growth.