Uganda Short-term Debt
Short-term debt as % of total external debt DT.DOD.DSTC.ZS
Uganda's short-term debt was 1.31% in 2025, ranked 95th globally. This represents a 48.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Uganda's short-term debt stood at 1.31% in 2025, a decline of +1.22% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.31% by 2025. Uganda ranked 95th globally.
Uganda's short-term debt has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past 56 years, spanning from a low of 0.01 in 1971 to a peak of 19.99 in 2008. The country's reliance on short-term credit has been a recurring theme, with a notable resurgence in 2008. Despite a slight decline in recent years, Uganda's short-term debt remains a concern, standing at 1.31 as of 2025, ranking 95th globally. In comparison, peer countries such as Papua New Guinea have struggled with similar debt issues, exemplified by its higher short-term debt ratio of 1.56. The recent decline in Uganda's short-term debt is a welcome development, but its persistence below the 2008 peak highlights the need for sustained fiscal discipline. A significant increase in foreign investment or a marked improvement in Uganda's trade balance could alter the trajectory of its short-term debt, potentially reducing its reliance on short-term credit and mitigating the risk of future debt crises.
Data & projection
| Year | Short-term Debt | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | -1.61% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -0.15% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.31% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.31% | −1.22% | #95 |
| 2024 | 2.53% | +0.13% | #28 |
| 2023 | 2.39% | −5.80% | #25 |
| 2022 | 8.19% | −0.38% | #54 |
| 2021 | 8.57% | +1.84% | #59 |
| 2020 | 6.73% | −0.07% | #51 |
| 2019 | 6.80% | +2.67% | #49 |
| 2018 | 4.13% | +0.08% | #36 |
| 2017 | 4.05% | −0.92% | #34 |
| 2016 | 4.98% | −0.82% | #42 |
| 2015 | 5.79% | −0.37% | #41 |
| 2014 | 6.16% | +0.68% | #38 |
| 2013 | 5.48% | +4.79% | #34 |
| 2012 | 0.69% | −0.11% | #9 |
| 2011 | 0.80% | −0.08% | #14 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uganda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw short-term debt improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uganda's short-term debt was 1.31% in 2025. Ranked 95th globally. This represents a 48.3% decrease from the previous year.
Uganda's short-term debt peaked at 19.99% in 2008.
The lowest short-term debt in Uganda was 0.01% in 1971.
Uganda ranks 95th globally in short-term debt as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DSTC.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uganda's short-term debt is projected to reach 1.31% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The short-term debt of Uganda in 2025 was 1.31%. This ranks 95th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uganda_short-term-debt,
title = {Uganda Short-term Debt},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uganda/short-term-debt/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}