Uganda Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Uganda's debt service was 22.69% in 2025, ranked 24th globally. This represents a 62.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Uganda's debt service stood at 22.69% in 2025, a rise of +8.75% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 22.69% by 2025. Uganda ranked 24th globally.
Uganda’s debt‑service burden has risen sharply since the early 1980s, moving from 17.35 % of export earnings in 1980 to a striking 81.36 % in 1990, the all‑time peak recorded during a period of fiscal tightening and external shocks. After a dramatic decline to a trough of 1.36 % in 2012, the ratio has climbed again, reaching 22.69 % in 2025, which places Uganda 24th in the global ranking out of 46 years of coverage. This recent level is comparable to the 23.62 % observed in Tunisia and the 23.89 % in Tonga, suggesting that Uganda’s debt‑service profile now aligns with other middle‑income economies facing similar external financing constraints. The upward trajectory since the 2012 low reflects higher external borrowing and weaker terms of trade, while the 2025 figure signals a renewed pressure on fiscal space. Continued debt‑service growth could be tempered by stronger export performance or debt restructuring, which would be essential to reverse the current upward trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 26.05% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 24.37% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 22.69% | - | - |
| 2025 | 22.69% | +8.75% | #24 |
| 2024 | 13.94% | −16.03% | #60 |
| 2023 | 29.97% | +13.13% | #98 |
| 2022 | 16.84% | +2.90% | #79 |
| 2021 | 13.94% | +0.39% | #59 |
| 2020 | 13.55% | +8.73% | #50 |
| 2019 | 4.82% | −4.04% | #21 |
| 2018 | 8.86% | +5.20% | #45 |
| 2017 | 3.66% | −13.72% | #15 |
| 2016 | 17.37% | +15.38% | #78 |
| 2015 | 1.99% | −2.19% | #6 |
| 2014 | 4.18% | +2.44% | #29 |
| 2013 | 1.74% | +0.38% | #14 |
| 2012 | 1.36% | −0.11% | #10 |
| 2011 | 1.47% | −0.33% | #11 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uganda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uganda's debt service was 22.69% in 2025. Ranked 24th globally. This represents a 62.8% increase from the previous year.
Uganda's debt service peaked at 81.36% in 1990.
The lowest debt service in Uganda was 1.36% in 2012.
Uganda ranks 24th globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uganda's debt service is projected to reach 22.69% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Uganda in 2025 was 22.69%. This ranks 24th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uganda_debt-service,
title = {Uganda Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uganda/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}