The Government has highlighted progress in improving the quality of life and living standards of Ugandans through increased investments in technology, research, innovation and human capital development, as the country marks World Population Day 2026.
The update was presented at the Uganda Media Centre by the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Planning), Amos Lugoloobi, alongside the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, Joseph Muvawala.
This year’s national commemoration is being held under the theme, “Unlocking the Potential of Uganda’s Population through Technology and Research to Drive Sustainable Development,” while the global theme is “Realizing the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People Today and for the Future.”
Lugoloobi said Uganda’s rapidly growing youthful population presents a major opportunity for socio-economic transformation if supported by sustained investment in technology, research and innovation that boosts productivity and creates employment.
He said the country has made notable progress in expanding digital infrastructure, citing internet penetration, which increased from about 1.8 percent in 2010 to 53 percent in 2022. He also noted that the National ICT Backbone Infrastructure has expanded from 1,380 kilometres to more than 4,300 kilometres, reflecting Uganda’s gradual transition towards a knowledge-based economy.
The minister, however, cautioned that research should move beyond academic institutions and laboratories to provide practical solutions that increase agricultural productivity, support businesses, create jobs and reduce poverty.
He described poverty as increasingly becoming a productivity challenge, arguing that many Ugandans remain trapped in low-productivity activities due to limited access to improved technologies, quality inputs, markets, innovation and skills.
According to Lugoloobi, about 31.5 percent of Ugandans remain multidimensionally poor, facing deprivations in education, healthcare, sanitation, housing and overall living standards, despite significant reductions in income poverty over the years.
He called on research institutions, universities, the private sector and local governments to work together to commercialize innovations and ensure technologies reach farmers, youth groups, cooperatives and local enterprises.
The minister also identified the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a key vehicle for translating research and technology into community-level transformation through enterprise development, value addition, skills development and improved productivity.
Meanwhile, the Kristine Blokhus urged greater investment in Uganda’s young people alongside technology and research.
She noted that with 73 percent of Uganda’s population below the age of 30, the country has a unique demographic opportunity that could accelerate economic growth if young people are equipped with education, skills and employment opportunities.
Blokhus said technology and research alone would not deliver sustainable development without parallel investments in education, healthcare, social protection and decent jobs.
She expressed concern that Uganda loses an estimated 24 percent of its potential future female labour force annually due to teenage pregnancy and school dropout, warning that early and unintended pregnancies continue to undermine girls’ education and future economic participation.
Blokhus welcomed the Government’s continued focus on Human Capital Development under the Fourth National Development Plan, describing investment in young people as critical to unlocking Uganda’s demographic dividend.
Muvawala emphasized that technology should be understood broadly as any tool that improves production and service delivery, urging Ugandans to embrace innovation across all sectors of the economy.
He said increasing productivity through technology, research and innovation remains essential for reducing poverty and achieving inclusive and sustainable development.
The national World Population Day celebrations will culminate on July 11, with Jessica Alupo expected to preside over the main commemorations on behalf of **Yoweri Museveni>.
