Uganda’s total population has reached 45,905,417, with children aged 0-17 years accounting for half of the population, according to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census. The results, released on October 3, 2024, by Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Executive Director Dr. Chris Mukiza, highlight key demographic shifts since the last census in 2014, with a 2.9% growth rate and significant changes in the country’s age structure, literacy levels, and religious composition.
“Children represent the largest segment of Uganda’s population at 50%, followed by youth aged 18-30 years at 23.5%, while older persons make up only 5%,” Dr. Mukiza stated. He emphasized the importance of considering these figures in national planning, especially in urban areas like Kampala, where the population spikes to 2.5 million during the day despite only 1.7 million residing there. “Cities must plan using daytime population figures to address infrastructure and service needs,” he noted.
The census data also reveals regional population disparities, with Buganda being the most populous region at 13 million residents, followed by Busoga with 4.4 million. Karamoja remains the least populated region, housing just 1.4 million people. On a district level, Wakiso leads with over 3.4 million people, while Kalangala has the smallest population, with just over 70,000.
Ethnic distribution shows that Baganda are the largest ethnic group at 7,037,404, followed by the Banyankore at 4,200,782, and the Basoga at 3,703,535. This data reflects little change in ethnic dominance since 1991, highlighting the cultural stability in Uganda’s demographics.
In terms of religious affiliation, Christians make up the majority, with Catholics at 37.4%, followed by Anglicans at 30%. Pentecostals have seen significant growth, increasing from 11.1% in 2014 to 14.7% in 2024, indicating a shift in religious trends.
Socio-economic indicators present a mixed picture. The fertility rate is at 4.5%, and life expectancy stands at 68.5 years. Despite a literacy rate of 74%, the unemployment rate is high at 12.6%, highlighting the need for more job creation efforts. Dr. Mukiza acknowledged President Museveni’s support for the census, stressing the role of data in shaping policy decisions for sustainable development.
These findings will inform Uganda’s national strategies in areas like education, healthcare, and urban planning, ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed to support the country’s rapidly growing and youthful population.
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