Uganda Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Uganda's government debt to gdp was 52.35% in 2025, ranked 98th globally. This represents a 1.7% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1997–2025.
Overview
Uganda's government debt to gdp stood at 52.35% in 2025, a rise of +0.86% from 2024. The IMF projects 52.35% by 2025. Uganda ranked 98th globally.
Uganda’s general government debt stood at 52.35 % of GDP in 2025, placing the country 98th in the world and slightly below peers such as North Macedonia (52.86 %) and Iraq (53.11 %). The debt ratio has risen modestly since the early 1990s, moving from 44.20 % in 1997 to a peak of 55.14 % in 2003, before collapsing to a historic low of 14.79 % in 2009 during the global financial crisis and a subsequent fiscal consolidation phase. Since that trough, debt has gradually climbed, reflecting higher public spending on infrastructure and social services, as well as increased borrowing to finance pandemic‑related health expenditures. The 29‑year series shows a net upward trajectory, albeit at a slower pace than the early‑2000s surge. Continued fiscal discipline and stronger domestic revenue mobilisation will be essential to prevent the debt‑to‑GDP ratio from edging toward its 2003 peak in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 54.25% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 53.55% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 52.77% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 52.41% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 52.98% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 52.35% | - | - |
| 2025 | 52.35% | +0.86% | #98 |
| 2024 | 51.49% | +0.98% | #85 |
| 2023 | 50.51% | +0.33% | #83 |
| 2022 | 50.18% | −0.16% | #82 |
| 2021 | 50.35% | +4.00% | #78 |
| 2020 | 46.35% | +8.81% | #62 |
| 2019 | 37.54% | +2.65% | #50 |
| 2018 | 34.89% | +1.25% | #47 |
| 2017 | 33.64% | +2.31% | #45 |
| 2016 | 31.33% | +3.31% | #44 |
| 2015 | 28.02% | +3.25% | #41 |
| 2014 | 24.77% | +2.69% | #42 |
| 2013 | 22.08% | +2.59% | #36 |
| 2012 | 19.49% | +1.53% | #34 |
| 2011 | 17.96% | −0.40% | #27 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uganda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uganda's government debt to gdp was 52.35% in 2025. Ranked 98th globally. This represents a 1.7% increase from the previous year.
Uganda's government debt to gdp peaked at 55.14% in 2003.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Uganda was 14.79% in 2009.
Uganda ranks 98th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Uganda's government debt to gdp is projected to reach 52.35% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The government debt to gdp of Uganda in 2025 was 52.35%. This ranks 98th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uganda_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Uganda Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uganda/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}