Uganda Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Uganda's dependency ratio was 82.81 in 2025, ranked 13th globally. This represents a 1.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Uganda's dependency ratio stood at 82.81 in 2025, a decline of +1.46 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 82.81 by 2025. Uganda ranked 13th globally.
Uganda’s dependency ratio has fallen markedly over the 66‑year series, descending from a post‑colonial high of 93.77 in 1960 to a historic trough of 82.81 in 2025, which places the country at rank 13 globally. The indicator peaked at 111.21 in 2001, reflecting a period when the proportion of children and elderly relative to the working‑age population was unusually high; since then, demographic transition, declining fertility and modest improvements in life expectancy have compressed the ratio. Uganda’s 2025 figure of 82.81 is closely aligned with Tanzania’s 83.02, underscoring a regional pattern of gradual easing of age‑related pressures. The sustained decline suggests that the labour force is expanding faster than dependent cohorts, a dynamic that could bolster economic growth if matched by adequate job creation and skill development. Continued reductions in the dependency ratio will depend on maintaining low fertility rates and extending healthy longevity, which together could further improve Uganda’s demographic dividend.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 80.12 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 81.46 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 82.81 | - | - |
| 2025 | 82.81 | −1.46 | #13 |
| 2024 | 84.27 | −1.22 | #205 |
| 2023 | 85.49 | −1.16 | #205 |
| 2022 | 86.64 | −1.39 | #205 |
| 2021 | 88.03 | −1.67 | #205 |
| 2020 | 89.70 | −1.87 | #206 |
| 2019 | 91.57 | −1.99 | #206 |
| 2018 | 93.56 | −2.08 | #208 |
| 2017 | 95.64 | −2.31 | #209 |
| 2016 | 97.95 | −2.08 | #210 |
| 2015 | 100.03 | −1.63 | #211 |
| 2014 | 101.66 | −1.30 | #213 |
| 2013 | 102.96 | −1.05 | #215 |
| 2012 | 104.02 | −0.98 | #215 |
| 2011 | 104.99 | −0.97 | #215 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uganda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uganda's dependency ratio was 82.81 in 2025. Ranked 13th globally. This represents a 1.7% decrease from the previous year.
Uganda's dependency ratio peaked at 111.21 in 2001.
The lowest dependency ratio in Uganda was 82.81 in 2025.
Uganda ranks 13th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uganda's dependency ratio is projected to reach 82.81 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Uganda in 2025 was 82.81. This ranks 13th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uganda_dependency-ratio,
title = {Uganda Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uganda/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}