Kampala, Uganda – Uganda’s poverty levels have shown a decline, with the number of people living below the poverty line dropping from 8.3 million in 2019/20 to 7 million, according to the Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) 2023/24 report released by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).
However, urban poverty has risen from 1.3 million to 1.7 million during the same period, while rural areas still bear the largest burden with 5.3 million people living in poverty.
The survey findings were unveiled during the official launch of the UNHS 2023/24 report by UBOS on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Hotel Africana.
Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling Vision 2040, which aims to transition Ugandans from a peasant lifestyle to a money economy.
Lugoloobi highlighted the importance of high-quality statistical data in demonstrating performance and identifying areas for improvement.
Joseph Enyimu, Commissioner for Economic Development Policy and Research at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, commended UBOS for producing reliable and policy-relevant data.
Dr. Sarah Ssewanyana, Executive Director of the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), noted that while gross enrollment exceeds 100%, it reflects inefficiencies such as repetition, delayed entry, or irregular attendance.
She urged the government to focus more on lower levels in addition to national efforts to address poverty concerns effectively.
The UNHS 2023/24 report is based on a comprehensive survey of 17,350 households from 1,735 Enumeration Areas (EAs), selected using a sampling framework based on the 2014 National Population and Housing Census.
UBOS Executive Director, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, emphasized the importance of the survey in facilitating government planning and policy formulation.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including members of the UBOS Executive Committee and Board Chairman Dr. Albert Byamugisha.
The government remains committed to using data-driven approaches to address poverty and promote economic development in Uganda.