Uganda
Population
Economic Landscape
Political Landscape
Social and Cultural Context
Gender Index Rankings
Population
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
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
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
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 Norms and Cultural Attitudes:
Gender Index Rankings
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