Overview:
The survey reveals that rural poverty stands at 19.4 percent, nearly double the urban rate of 10.3 percent.
Uganda’s national poverty rate has declined to 16.1 percent, down from 20.3 percent in 2019/20, according to the newly released Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) 2023/24. The figures, unveiled by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) at Hotel Africana on Thursday, show that nearly 7 million people still live below the absolute poverty line of US$1 a day.
While government officials welcomed the gains—describing them as a sign of recovery and policy impact—experts warned that the country’s development remains uneven, with regions like Karamoja, Bukedi, and Teso still experiencing alarmingly high poverty levels.
The report was officially launched by Amos Lugoloobi, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Planning), alongside UBOS Executive Director Chris N. Mukiza and other top government officials.
Poverty gaps remain deep
The survey reveals that rural poverty stands at 19.4 percent, nearly double the urban rate of 10.3 percent. Karamoja remains Uganda’s poorest region, with 74.2 percent of its population—roughly 937,500 people—living in poverty. Bukedi and Teso also recorded high poverty levels at 29.9 percent and 29.8 percent respectively. In contrast, Kampala registered the lowest rate at just 1.1 percent (19,200 people).
Lugoloobi acknowledged the overall progress but emphasized the need for targeted programs to bridge the rural-urban divide and foster inclusive development.
Education: Mixed results
The survey shows growth in primary education enrollment, now at a gross rate of 119.5 percent nationally, with rural areas slightly ahead at 121.2 percent. However, secondary school enrollment has declined from 36.8 percent to 33.6 percent, with rural areas particularly affected.
UBOS Chief Mukiza attributed the decline to economic pressures forcing many families to prioritize work over continued schooling.
Healthcare and employment trends
Access to health services improved, with 82 percent of those who fell ill seeking treatment. Yet financial barriers remain, with 15.7 percent of non-seekers citing lack of money. Most patients (54 percent) used private clinics, while government hospitals served 27 percent. The report notes that 86 percent of households are now within 5km of a health facility.
Employment remains largely dependent on agriculture, especially in rural areas where 55 percent are engaged in farming. Urban areas show more diversity: 47.3 percent of workers are in services and 12.6 percent in industry.
What the experts say
The findings signal progress, but also the need to go beyond headline figures. Experts like Dr. Sarah Ssewanyana of the Economic Policy Research Centre and Joseph Enyimu of the Ministry of Finance called for deeper investment in rural education, healthcare affordability, and diversified employment to address inequality and sustain poverty reduction momentum.