Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has released the final findings from the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, painting a portrait of the country’s demographics.
The data reveals a mix of progress and challenges, particularly in areas of fertility, mortality, and family structures.
Fertility and Childbearing
The census shows a Total Fertility Rate of 4.5 children per woman, indicating that the average Ugandan woman is having fewer children compared to previous decades. This reflects ongoing efforts in family planning and reproductive health education. However, the Crude Birth Rate remains high at 33.2 births per 1,000 people, highlighting the continued population growth.
A concerning statistic is the number of adolescent girls who have begun childbearing (10-19 years old). This figure stands at 366,606, emphasising the need for increased access to sexual and reproductive health education and services for young people.
Child Marriages
The census found that 6.7% of children aged 10-17 are married, a concerning figure that points to the need for stronger legal protections and social interventions to prevent child marriage.
Mortality
While progress has been made in reducing infant and under-5 mortality rates, these figures remain relatively high at 34 and 46 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. Maternal mortality also continues to be a significant challenge, with 207 deaths per 100,000 live births. These statistics underscore the need for improved maternal and child healthcare services.
Family Dynamics
The census reveals that 66.6% of households are headed by males, while 33.4% are headed by females. This reflects the evolving nature of family structures in Uganda.
Behind these numbers are real people and families. Consider the story of Aisha, a 17-year-old girl who was forced into marriage at 15. Her dreams of becoming a teacher were shattered, and she now struggles to support her young child while facing health risks associated with early pregnancy.
Or think about the experience of Fatuma, a mother of four who lost her first child to preventable diseases due to limited access to healthcare. She now works tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of her remaining children.
These stories highlight the human cost of the challenges revealed by the census data. Behind every statistic is an individual with hopes, dreams, and struggles.
By understanding these challenges, policymakers and stakeholders can develop targeted interventions to improve maternal and child health, reduce child marriage, and empower women and girls.
