Age Distribution

The age structure differs very clearly from those of the rich industrialised countries, above all with regard to age distribution and growth (see also: “Uganda: Figures & Facts”).

By far the largest group of the roughly 45.9 million inhabitants (2024 census) are children and young people under 18 years (50.5 %); the median age is around 17 years. The population growth is around 2.9 % per year, and each Ugandan woman has on average about 4.5 children (Census 2024).

Linked to this are the typical problems of predominantly agrarian societies, namely the division of land ownership through inheritance. This is divided among the heirs, so that the size is no longer sufficient to provide for the families – one reason for the persistently high poverty in the country (national poverty rate 16.1 %, survey 2023/24; 27 % live in multidimensional poverty).