Uganda Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Uganda's net migration was -119,059 in 2025, ranked 15th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Uganda's net migration stood at -119,059 in 2025, a decline of +1,135 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -184,947 by 2026. Uganda ranked 15th globally.
Uganda’s net migration balance has swung dramatically over the 66‑year series, moving from a modest outflow of 7,586 persons in 1960 to a historic inflow of 123,379 in 2016, before receding to a net loss of 119,059 in 2025, the fifteenth‑largest negative figure worldwide. The all‑time trough of –242,378 in 1995 marked the deepest departure of people, reflecting regional instability and limited economic opportunities at the time. By contrast, the 2016 peak coincided with improved security and expanding agricultural and service sectors that attracted labor from neighboring states. Uganda’s 2025 outflow is comparable to Chile’s –123,104 and slightly larger than Czechia’s –112,188, underscoring a regional pattern of out‑migration amid slowing growth and rising unemployment. If structural reforms enhance job creation and infrastructure, the current negative trajectory could stabilize, potentially returning the country to a modest inflow in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -249,772 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -217,359 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -184,947 | - | - |
| 2025 | -119,059 | −1,135 | #15 |
| 2024 | -117,924 | +8,257 | #14 |
| 2023 | -126,181 | −7,338 | #12 |
| 2022 | -118,843 | −162,307 | #11 |
| 2021 | 43,464 | +0 | #191 |
| 2020 | 43,464 | −63,746 | #190 |
| 2019 | 107,210 | +46,486 | #198 |
| 2018 | 60,724 | −32,155 | #188 |
| 2017 | 92,879 | −30,500 | #193 |
| 2016 | 123,379 | +185,745 | #200 |
| 2015 | -62,366 | +29,907 | #21 |
| 2014 | -92,273 | +84,306 | #15 |
| 2013 | -176,579 | −643 | #11 |
| 2012 | -175,936 | −2,931 | #10 |
| 2011 | -173,005 | −4,683 | #13 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uganda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uganda's net migration was -119,059 in 2025. Ranked 15th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
Uganda's net migration peaked at 123,379 in 2016.
The lowest net migration in Uganda was -242,378 in 1995.
Uganda ranks 15th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uganda's net migration is projected to reach -184,947 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Uganda in 2025 was -119,059. This ranks 15th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uganda_net-migration,
title = {Uganda Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uganda/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}