Kampala’s Population Soars as Rapid Urban Growth Strains Infrastructure

Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital, has seen its daytime population surge by 76%, reaching 2.5 million, according to the 2024 Population and Housing Census. This rapid growth solidifies Kampala’s position as the country’s most populous urban area, with other cities such as Arua (440,540), Mbale (371,626), and Jinja (363,134) also experiencing substantial increases.

Helen Nviri, Director of Population and Social Statistics, expressed concerns over the strain this rapid urbanization places on city infrastructure. “Our cities are growing faster than the infrastructure can keep up with. We are seeing more people flocking to urban areas, but we need better planning to manage this surge and provide the services these people need,” Nviri stated.

Urban centers like Mbarara (324,974), Masaka (328,485), and Gulu (323,888) have also witnessed significant population growth, further intensifying the demand for housing, water, and transportation services.

Chris Mukiza, Executive Director of UBOS and Census Commissioner, highlighted Uganda’s overall population growth, which now stands at 45.9 million, up from 34.6 million in 2014, with a 2.9% growth rate. “Females make up the majority of the population at 53%, while males account for 47%. This surge is driven by both natural population growth and urban migration, especially in key economic hubs like Kampala,” Mukiza explained.

Mukiza emphasized the need for long-term urban planning, particularly in sectors such as health, education, and employment, to accommodate the growing population. He noted that Uganda’s literacy rate has improved to 74%, but challenges persist in keeping children in school, especially at the secondary level, where attendance is only 22.3%.

With 50% of the population under the age of 17, the pressure on education and employment sectors continues to mount, making sustainable development a priority for Uganda’s future.