Uganda: health and care

How much does Uganda spend on health?

Uganda's government has allocated Shs 5.23 trillion to the health sector in 2026/27, according to the Budget Speech of 11 June 2026. The speech lists maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, non-communicable diseases and essential medicines among the priorities.

Across all sources, including households and donors, current health spending was 4.24% of GDP in 2023, according to World Health Organization data on World Bank Open Data. The budget figure covers government spending only. The speech says Shs 13.56 trillion in total goes to health, education, social protection, and water and sanitation.

Official sources: Ministry of Finance: Budget Speech FY2026/27 · World Bank: current health expenditure, Uganda

What is the life expectancy in Uganda?

Life expectancy at birth in Uganda was 68.5 years in 2024, according to World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026. The figure is compiled from UN population estimates.

Life expectancy at birth is the average number of years a newborn would live if death rates at each age stayed as they were in that year. It is not a forecast of how long people born now will actually live. Because many deaths are not registered, it is a modelled estimate, revised as census and survey data arrive.

Official sources: World Bank: life expectancy at birth, Uganda

What is the maternal mortality rate in Uganda?

Uganda's maternal mortality ratio was 170 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, according to the modelled UN estimate on World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026.

The ratio counts women who die from causes related to pregnancy or childbirth, during pregnancy or within 42 days after it, for every 100,000 babies born alive. It is estimated by a UN inter-agency group from surveys, health records and statistical models. Modelled estimates have wide uncertainty ranges and can differ from figures in national surveys.

Official sources: World Bank: maternal mortality ratio, Uganda

What is the infant mortality rate in Uganda?

Uganda's infant mortality rate was 35.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024, according to World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026. The figure comes from the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation.

Infant mortality counts babies who die before their first birthday. A rate of 35.9 means that about 36 in every 1,000 babies born alive die in their first year. The estimate is modelled from household surveys and other sources, so it is revised as new survey data arrive.

Official sources: World Bank: infant mortality rate, Uganda

How many doctors are there in Uganda?

Uganda had 0.19 physicians per 1,000 people in 2022, according to World Health Organization data on World Bank Open Data, read on 15 October 2026. That is about 1 doctor for every 5,200 people.

The figure counts medical doctors only, not nurses, midwives or clinical officers. It is a national average, so it does not show differences between Kampala and rural districts. The Ministry of Health is responsible for the health workforce.

Official sources: World Bank: physicians per 1,000 people, Uganda

How long do people live in Uganda?

In 2024, life expectancy at birth in Uganda was 68.5 years, according to the UN Population Division. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 64.3 years, and Uganda placed 10th highest of 48. Worldwide: 142nd of 193.

What is the infant mortality rate in Uganda?

According to the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, the infant mortality rate in Uganda was 35.9 per 1,000 in 2024. No year since 2005 has been lower. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 37.2 per 1,000; Uganda is 26th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 31st of 192.

What is maternal mortality in Uganda?

According to the WHO, the maternal mortality ratio in Uganda was 170 per 100,000 in 2023. No year since 2005 has been lower. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 257 per 100,000; Uganda is 37th highest of 48. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 44th highest.

What share of GDP does Uganda spend on health care?

The WHO puts current health spending in Uganda at 4.2% of GDP in 2023. The peak was 6.8% of GDP in 2010 and the low 3.8% of GDP in 2019. It is 28th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 4.4% of GDP. Of 191 countries with 2023 data, 148th highest.

What is out-of-pocket health spending in Uganda?

According to the WHO, out-of-pocket health spending in Uganda was 32.2% in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 27.4% (2021) to 54.5% (2007). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 32.4%, and Uganda placed 25th highest of 48. Worldwide: 74th of 191.

What is the doctor to patient ratio in Uganda?

The WHO puts the number of doctors per 1,000 people in Uganda at 0.19 per 1,000 in 2022. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 20th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 0.18 per 1,000. Of 125 countries with 2022 data, 98th highest.

What is measles vaccine coverage in Uganda?

According to WHO and UNICEF, measles vaccination among children aged 12 to 23 months in Uganda was 90.0% in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 81.0%, and Uganda placed 8th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 92nd of 191.