Uganda’s Poverty Rate Rises to 27%, Karamoja and West Nile Hardest Hit – UBOS

By Skika Reporter

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has reported a sharp rise in poverty levels, revealing that 27 percent of Ugandans are now living below the poverty line despite ongoing government interventions.

According to the newly released data, this translates to more than 12 million people, including about 4.6 million children, lacking access to basic needs such as healthcare, education, food, employment, and technology—particularly in rural areas.

The report highlights stark regional disparities, with Karamoja and West Nile emerging as the most affected regions. Karamoja recorded the highest poverty rate at 57 percent, with districts such as Kaabong (64 percent), Amudat (62 percent), and Kotido (61 percent) among the worst hit.

West Nile followed with a poverty rate of 39 percent, with districts like Zombo and Yumbe both at 44 percent, and Pakwach at 43 percent.

At the other end of the spectrum, Kampala registered the lowest poverty rate at just 8 percent.

In central Uganda, the Buganda region recorded an 18 percent poverty rate, although disparities remain within districts. Buvuma posted a high of 43 percent, while Wakiso stood at 9 percent.

Other regions also showed concerning figures. Busoga recorded a 26 percent poverty rate, Bukedi 31 percent, Bugisu 30 percent, and Sebei 34 percent. In northern Uganda, Acholi registered 32 percent, Lango 26 percent, and Madi 29 percent.

Western regions were similarly affected, with Bunyoro at 30 percent, Toro at 31 percent, Rwenzori at 32 percent, and Ankole at 26 percent. Kigezi region recorded a 29 percent poverty rate.

Speaking during the report’s presentation at UBOS headquarters in Kampala, Yeremiah Honda, a senior statistician, noted that poverty remains widespread across multiple sub-regions, including Teso, which recorded a rate of 24 percent.

The findings also show that poverty disproportionately affects women and residents of urban slums, pointing to persistent inequality in income distribution and access to opportunities.

Meanwhile, Amos Lugoloobi said the government remains committed to reducing poverty through targeted interventions. He noted that specific strategies have been introduced to address the situation, particularly in Karamoja, where poverty levels remain critically high.

The report underscores ongoing challenges in Uganda’s socio-economic development, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing poverty alleviation programs and the need for more inclusive and region-specific solutions.