At least 16.1% of Ugandans live below the absolute poverty line of US$1 (Shs 3,652) per person per day, according to the newly released Uganda National Household Survey 2023/24.
The survey, conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), covered 17,350 households across 1,735 Enumeration Areas (EAs). These EAs were selected using a framework based on the 2014 National Population and Housing Census, ensuring a nationally representative sample.
The sample covered 14 sub-regions and included three special strata for refugee and host communities in Western Uganda, Northern Uganda, and Kampala—providing in-depth insight into vulnerable populations. Enumeration Areas were chosen using probability proportional to population size, followed by systematic household listing and random selection of 10 households per EA.
UBOS employed Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI), achieving a 92% response rate—enhancing the quality, accuracy, and credibility of the findings.
The report indicates that 19.1 Ugandans living in rural areas suffers the brunt of poverty, while 10.3 people in urban centers face the wrath of poverty.
According to the report, between 2019/20 and 2023/24, Uganda’s national poverty rate declined from 20.3% to 16.1%. reflecting growing trust in commercial farming, education, and inclusive models like the Parish Development Model.
Karamoja’s poverty rate remains at a shocking 74.2%. Other regions like Bukedi and Teso are also struggling and calling for targeted investment, smart policies, and strong leadership to bridge this gap.
