The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has released the 2024 National Population and Housing Census profile for the Busoga Sub-Region, covering 11 districts including Jinja, Kamuli, Iganga, Luuka, Bugiri, Buyende, Mayuge, Namayingo, Kaliro, Bugweri, and Namutumba. The findings highlight a region of over three million people grappling with economic and social challenges despite notable progress in water access.
The census counted a household population of 3,531,244 and non-household residents of 53,486, bringing the total population to 3,584,730. With 745,510 households, the average household size is 4.7 persons, and the population density stands at 497 people per square kilometre — one of the highest in the country.
Demographics and Labour Market
Children under 18 make up 50.9% of the population, while adults aged 18+ account for 49.1%. The working-age group (14–64 years) forms 55.5% of the population, with the elderly (65+) at 4.8%. Youth unemployment is severe: 35.5% of those aged 15–24 are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). The labour force participation rate is 30.4%, and the unemployment rate stands at 7.3% for persons aged 15 and over.
Living Standards
Housing is predominantly owner-occupied, with 84.3% of households owning their homes. Water access is high — 90.2% of households use improved sources — but sanitation lags, with only 37.6% having improved sanitation facilities. More than half (55.8%) use unimproved sanitation, and 6.6% still practice open defecation.
Electricity coverage is low, with just 21.4% of households connected to the grid or using solar. Clean fuel use for cooking is minimal (1.3%), with most households depending on wood (63.5%) or charcoal (32.2%).
Health and Fertility
The total fertility rate is 5.3 children per woman aged 15–49, one of the highest nationally. Adolescent childbearing affects 6.6% of girls aged 10–19. Birth registration remains very low at 8.1% for children under five.
Poverty and Food Security
The region faces high poverty, with 46.8% of households classified as food insecure. Women are more affected (50.3%) compared to men (43.1%). The majority of households are engaged in subsistence agriculture, limiting their income potential and resilience to economic shocks.
Information and Communication
Radio is the main source of information (44.2%), followed by word of mouth (27.7%). Mobile phone ownership is at 42.1%, while internet access remains limited at 3.6% for individuals aged 10 and above.
Policy Implications
UBOS emphasizes that despite high water access, Busoga’s development is constrained by poor sanitation, high fertility, and limited job opportunities for the youth. Targeted investments in education, vocational training, family planning, and sanitation infrastructure are critical to reversing these trends.
