economy 27 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
UBOS Reveals 27% of Ugandans Trapped in Multidimensional Poverty
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) reports that 27% of Ugandans face multidimensional poverty, with major deprivations in health insurance, cooking fuel, and sanitation. Rural areas suffer more severely, alongside female-headed and low-education households. Source: https://observer.ug/news/over-27-of-ugandans-living-in-multidimensional-poverty-ubos
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has disclosed that more than 27 out of every 100 Ugandans are living in multidimensional poverty, as detailed in the fifth Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) monograph.
This measure goes beyond traditional income-based assessments, capturing deprivations across health, education, and living standards. Stephen Baryahirwa, UBOS head of social surveys and censuses, emphasized that it offers a fuller picture of daily hardships.
Statistician Elemia Muhandogwa highlighted health insurance as the top issue, impacting 53% of Ugandans, followed by cooking fuel and technology at 52%. Rural regions fare worse at 32% poverty rate versus 19% in urban areas, with 61% rural lack of insurance compared to 39% urban.
Female-headed households show 29% MPI, higher than 26% for male-headed ones. No formal education correlates with 44% poverty, dropping with higher schooling. Karamoja tops at 57%, West Nile at 39%, while Kampala is lowest.
State Minister Amos Lugolobi praised the data for aiding Vision 2040 planning but warned of data overload and persistent gaps: 45% without improved toilets, 54% deprived in cooking tech, and low health coverage.