The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has released the 2024 National Population and Housing Census profile for the Bukedi Sub-Region, encompassing Tororo, Butaleja, Kibuku, Budaka, Pallisa, Butebo, and Bunyole East. The findings reveal both progress and persistent challenges in a region home to nearly two million people.
The census recorded a household population of 1,981,247 and non-household residents numbering 30,778, bringing the total population to 2,012,025. With 412,217 households, the average household size is 4.8 persons, and the region’s population density stands at 421 people per square kilometre.
Demographics and Labour Force
Children under 18 years account for 50.7% of the population, while adults aged 18 and above make up 49.3%. The working-age group (14–64 years) represents 55.5% of the total, with the elderly (65+) at 4.8%. Youth unemployment remains a significant concern, with 37.1% of those aged 15–24 not in employment, education, or training (NEET). The labour force participation rate for persons aged 15 and over is 31.4%, and the unemployment rate is 9.2%.
Living Conditions and Services
Housing tenure is dominated by ownership, with 88.8% of households owning their homes. Water access is impressive — 90.5% of households use improved sources — but sanitation remains a problem. Only 38.7% of households have improved sanitation facilities, while 55.1% use unimproved ones, and 6.2% still practice open defecation.
Electricity coverage is low, with just 18.7% of households connected to the grid or using solar, and a mere 1.2% using clean fuels for cooking. The majority rely on wood (68.4%) and charcoal (26.0%).
Health, Fertility, and Child Welfare
The total fertility rate stands at 5.2 children per woman aged 15–49, which is higher than the national average. Adolescent childbearing is significant, with 6.5% of girls aged 10–19 having begun childbearing. Birth registration for children under five is low at 8.2%.
Poverty and Food Security
The report reveals that 47.1% of households in Bukedi are food insecure, with a higher prevalence among women (50.9%) than men (43.1%). Poverty levels are among the highest in the country, with a substantial proportion of households engaged in subsistence farming and unable to meet basic needs without assistance.
Information and Communication
Radio remains the most common information source (44.6%), followed by word of mouth (28.1%). Mobile phone ownership stands at 40.7%, but internet access is extremely low at 3.1% for individuals aged 10 and above.
Policy Implications
UBOS notes that while water access in Bukedi is strong, the combination of high fertility, youth unemployment, poor sanitation, and widespread food insecurity threatens the region’s human development prospects. The bureau calls for targeted interventions in job creation, family planning, and sanitation improvement to address these gaps.
