A new report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has revealed a substantial increase in literacy rates among Ugandans.
According to the Final Report of the National Population and Housing Census 2024, 74% of Ugandans aged 10 and above are now literate. This marks a significant improvement in education and human capital development in the country.
The census, which was conducted nationwide, provides a comprehensive picture of Uganda’s demographic, social, and economic realities. The findings are expected to inform evidence-based policymaking and resource allocation for sustainable development.
The census report highlights that 74% of persons aged 10 and above were able to read and write meaningfully in any language. This milestone reflects significant progress in education and human capital development, despite challenges in other sectors.
Conducted nationwide, the final census report captured a detailed picture of Uganda’s demographic, social, and economic realities. The findings are expected to drive evidence-based policymaking and resource allocation for sustainable development.
While the progress in literacy is notable, challenges remain. Half of Uganda’s population is under 18 years old, presenting a need for sustained investment in education systems to cater to this youthful demographic.
Other key findings from the census reveal:
81.1% of households have access to improved water sources.
53.4% of households have electricity, though only 25.3% are connected to the national grid.
33.1% of households are engaged in subsistence farming.
42.6% of youth aged 15–24 are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET), reflecting a critical challenge for workforce development.
UBOS Executive Director Chris Mukiza said the census results would facilitate evidence-based National and Local Government planning processes; enable equitable distribution of resources across programmes and Local Governments and inform interventions in social services such as health, education, infrastructure, and housing, to mention a few.
Other beneficiaries of the Census data include Faith-Based Organisations, Cultural Institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations, Research and Training Institutions, and International community.
The preliminary findings were disseminated on 27 June 2024, providing statistics on population size, distribution and composition up to the District/City level. The provisional results were disseminated on 31 October 2024.
Mr Mukiza said the final report “presents the final results of the National Population and Housing Census 2024 with data and statistics for key indicators reported at District/City level.”
He added: “The report gives statistics on the demographic, socio-economic and environmental characteristics of the population, as well as information about the households and communities where they reside. Detailed statistics up to Parish level, giving baseline data and information for planning at Lower Local Governments (LLGs) including Localisation of SDGs and Parish Development Model (PDM) will be published in March 2025.”
The results are also expected to help the government in tracking Uganda’s advancements towards achieving socio-economic transformation as envisioned in Vision 2040, the National Development Plans, as well as regional, continental and global development initiatives.
