UGANDA

Information at a Glance

People

Population: 18,592,000
Population Growth rate: 2.72%
Ethnic groups: many tribal ethnic groups: Most Ugandans come from the integration of various ethnic groups, mainly the Baganda, Bunyoro and Batoro
Religions: Roman Catholic 33%, Protestant 33%, Muslim 16%, indigenous beliefs 18%

With over 20% of the people HIV-carriers, AIDS is a major factor affecting the people of Uganda.

Economy

Currency: Shilling
GDP per capita: $1,370
Main Industries: agriculture
Main exports: coffee

While Uganda remains very poor, it has been growing steadily for a number of years. Inflation is serious and there is a heavy debt burden.

Health

Life expectancy: 40.2 years
Infant mortality: 93.25 deaths/1,000
Average calories consumed: 91% of calories needed
Safe water: 34% of population has access

Self-reliance

Uganda has a heavy debt burden and has a very little manufacturing. Its debt servicing to exports ratio is three times the IMF estimate for sustainability.

Literacy

Literacy rate: 61.8%.
Languages: English and Swahili are the official national languages. Luganda and Swahili are widely spoken.

Income Distribution

Structural adjustment is widening the gaps.

Environment

Regions: the country is most high plateau.
Problems:deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching

Politics

Uganda went through a long period of terror, under Obote and later under Idi Amin. The current government has worked to bring things back to normal. It has also tried to bring about local democracy and struggled against trial divisions. Its economic policies, however, may not be designed to help all the people of Uganda. In addition, the government is resisting pressure for multi-party democracy.

Freedom & human rights

Ugandans are a lot freer from tyranny. Unfortunately, there have been efforts to control the press and to control political opponents.

Position of women: Women¹s achievements are seen as part of modernization. A woman is vice-president. There are new opportunities but still a long way to go.