Poverty Rate Drops, as Average Incomes Rise

In its quest to increase average household incomes and improve the quality of life of its citizens by 2040, a recently published report shows that Uganda is well on its way to achieving its goal.

The Poverty Status Report 2021 shows that in three short years – from 2016/17 to 2019/20 – the per capita gross domestic product went from $824 to $964, a growth of 17%, despite the challenges the coronavirus pandemic imposed.

As part of Uganda’s Vision 2040 – a long-running mission to decrease poverty levels – sustained investment in the economy’s productive base has been made over the last ten years, notably in energy, roads, and the sectors of information, communication, and technology meant to support agro-industrialization. Those measures have positively impacted the economy, leading to a rise in average incomes. Uganda is a signatory of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015 as a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030, peace and prosperity will be achieved worldwide.