Uganda Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Uganda's female labor participation was 75.60% in 2025, ranked 9th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Uganda's female labor participation stood at 75.60% in 2025, a rise of +0.04pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 75.94% by 2026. Uganda ranked 9th globally.
Uganda’s female labor participation stands at 75.59 % in 2025, ranking ninth worldwide, and reflects a steady upward trajectory since the earliest available observation of 70.78 % in 1990. The indicator reached its all‑time high of 81.91 % in 2013, following a sharp dip to a trough of 65.50 % in 2012, suggesting that policy interventions and economic diversification after that low point were effective in re‑engaging women in the labour market. Over the 36‑year coverage period, Uganda’s performance is comparable to Mozambique’s 77.09 % and Cambodia’s 77.35 %, both of which occupy similar positions in the global ranking, while Benin trails slightly at 75.16 %. The persistence of high participation rates indicates that continued investment in female‑friendly employment schemes, skills development, and access to finance could sustain the current upward momentum, while any reversal in macro‑economic stability might temper the trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 76.35% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 76.14% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 75.94% | - | - |
| 2025 | 75.60% | +0.04pp | #9 |
| 2024 | 75.56% | +0.11pp | #9 |
| 2023 | 75.45% | +0.08pp | #9 |
| 2022 | 75.36% | +0.69pp | #9 |
| 2021 | 74.67% | +0.70pp | #10 |
| 2020 | 73.98% | +0.13pp | #9 |
| 2019 | 73.85% | +2.16pp | #10 |
| 2018 | 71.69% | +2.47pp | #15 |
| 2017 | 69.22% | −2.37pp | #19 |
| 2016 | 71.59% | −2.13pp | #17 |
| 2015 | 73.72% | −1.92pp | #9 |
| 2014 | 75.64% | −6.27pp | #8 |
| 2013 | 81.91% | +16.40pp | #3 |
| 2012 | 65.51% | −12.42pp | #27 |
| 2011 | 77.93% | +7.23pp | #7 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uganda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uganda's female labor participation was 75.60% in 2025. Ranked 9th globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Uganda's female labor participation peaked at 81.91% in 2013.
The lowest female labor participation in Uganda was 65.51% in 2012.
Uganda ranks 9th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uganda's female labor participation is projected to reach 75.94% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Uganda in 2025 was 75.60%. This ranks 9th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uganda_female-labor-participation,
title = {Uganda Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uganda/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}