Uganda’s life expectancy has increased from 60 years to 68.5 years according to the final 2024 National Population and Housing Census report released by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).

According to the report from the census exercise conducted in May, released on Thursday at the Kampala Serena Hotel, the improvement in health services among other supportive benefits to a healthy person has enabled Ugandans to live longer according to Dr. Chris Mukiza, the UBOS Executive Director.

Other findings indicate unemployment levels currently stand at 12.6%, fertility rate is at 4.5% and literacy levels at 75%.

Meanwhile, Catholics remain the dominant religious group in the country at 37.4% whereas the Baganda are the biggest ethnic group at 7 million people followed by the Banyankole among others.

The same report indicates that Uganda’s population currently stands at 45.94 million people, with an increase of 11.3 million people from the last census of 2014.

The Board Chairman UBOS, Dr. Albert Byamugisha speaking at the launch of the final census report credited the international community for the financial support that enabled the smooth conduct of the 2024 National Population and Housing Census.

He said the development partners’ contribution of 1 percent that amounted to Shs 18.5 billion supplemented the Government contribution of 99% of the total census budget that amounted to Shs 328.74 billion.

Byamugisha also commended the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who headed the census steering committee; ICT Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi and Jacob Oboth Oboth, the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs for their endless contrition during the census exercise.

UBOS Spokesperson Didacus Okoth says the data from the census final report will inform evidence-based planning, decision-making, population projections, and estimates for the Government.

By Charles Katabalwa

3rd October 2024

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