Overview
Uganda’s current population is nearing 41 million, and the country has one of the fastest growing and youngest populations in the world – 54 per cent of the population are under 18 years old. There is an increase in demand for social services like health and education, but these services are not growing at the same pace as the population. Unemployment is high, particularly among young men who have completed secondary (and sometimes higher) education but cannot find work.
Climate-related emergencies, including flooding, drought and landslides, are becoming increasingly common, leading to reduced harvests and the destruction of people’s homes and businesses. The country is also hosting close to 1.5 million refugees from neighbouring countries such as South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia.
After previously having success in HIV prevention, HIV rates are now rising again.