Uganda

Population

• Total Population: Approximately 42.5 million (as of 2024, UBOS estimate)
• Gender Distribution: 50% female, 50% male
• Youth Population: Over 77% under the age of 30

Urban vs Rural Distribution: 25% urban, 75% rural

Economic Landscape

• GDP: $50 billion (2023 estimate, World Bank)
• Key Industries: Agriculture (coffee, maize), Tourism, Construction
• Women in Workforce: Approximately 48%, with heavy reliance on agriculture and informal sectors
• Gender Pay Gap: Women earn 20% less than men in formal employment

Challenges: High youth unemployment (7.5%, 2023), limited vocational training access, rural poverty (21% below poverty line)

Political Landscape

• Women’s Representation in Leadership:
  • Parliament: 34% (2023)
  • Local Government Leadership: Approximately 25% of councilors are women
• Challenges: Electoral irregularities, political intimidation, restricted civic space
• Key Policies Promoting Gender Equality:
  • 1995 Constitution: Guarantees gender equality
  • National Development Plan III: Targets education and poverty reduction
  • Uganda Gender Policy (2007): Aims to address disparities

• Social and Cultural Context

  • Gender Norms and Cultural Attitudes:
    • Patriarchal norms prevail, especially in rural areas
    • Women often bear caregiving and farming burdens
    • Growing youth activism for equity
  • Traditional Barriers:
    • Early marriages (34% of girls married before 18, UNICEF, 2021)
    • Limited land ownership for women and indigenous groups (e.g., Batwa)
    • Gender-based violence (51% prevalence, UBOS, 2020)

• Gender Index Rankings

  • Global Gender Gap Index (2023): Ranked 61st out of 146 countries
  • Human Development Index (2023): 0.544 (Medium human development)
  • Women’s Empowerment Index: Moderate gains in education, slow progress in economic and political spheres

  Challenges Identified: Low secondary school completion (25%), land inequity, persistent poverty among youth