Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa with a total estimated population of about 31 million people. The country is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and on the south by Rwanda and Tanzania.
With a unique strategic location and one of the fastest growing economies in Africa sustained growth averaging 7.8 percent since 2000, Uganda offers exceptional business opportunities in the heart of Africa. By providing a conducive environment and a wide range of incentives, the country has been significantly successful in mobilizing both foreign and domestic investment.
The steady growth in FDI inflows is accredited to the remarkable macroeconomic and political stability as well as proactive investment promotion efforts made worldwide.
Uganda has been secured and guaranteed by membership in various free trade and market access preferences offered to the country. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern African states (COMESA), a region with a market of over 470 million people in 19 countries is one of the groupings in which Uganda is a member, guaranteeing the business community more than 80% tariff reduction in this regional market.
Government and private sector dialogue in policy formulation are at the highest level and at the center of business development processes in the country. A Presidential Investor’s Roundtable chaired by the Country’s President is in place to ensure that government policies keep the private sector at the center. Business Development Strategies including the Investment Climate Strategy (CICS), the National Export Strategy (NES) and other regulatory frameworks have all been put in place under Public – Private Sector Partnerships. As a result, many vibrant private sector associations have come up to advance their members’ concerns.
Uganda Economic Outlook
- Growth in the Ugandan economy slowed down to 4.8% in 2016 from 5.5% the previous year but is projected to rebound strongly in 2017 to 5.1% and expand further to 5.8% the following year.
- Uganda has made limited progress in improving human development but the National Development Plan (NDP II) envisages significant investments that could contribute to increased human capital development.
- With a significant share of the active labour force (35.5%) engaged in entrepreneurship, Uganda is one of the world’s most entrepreneurial nations but lacks a dedicated strategy or policy and comprehensive programme to support it effectively.
Key Facts
| Flag: |  |
| Capital: | Kampala |
| Area: | 241,000 sq km |
| Total Population 2017: | 41.7 Million |
| Urban Population 2017: | 73.50% |
| Female Population 2017: | 49.70% |
| GDP: | US$ 33.1 Billion |
| GNI Per Capita 2015: | US$ 670 |
| Inflation Rate: | 4.10% |
| Crude Birth Rate (per 1000): | 41.60% |
| Human Development Index (rank / 188): | 163 |
| Human Development Index (scale 0 to 1): | 0.493 |
| Membership Date: | 10/09/1964 |
| Cumulative Approvals (1967-2016): | UA 2.1 Billion |