LUCAS MUSISI
KAMPALA – The just-released 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) presents a comprehensive snapshot of Uganda’s socio-demographic landscape. Conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the report sheds light on various aspects of education, family planning, health, and gender dynamics within the country.
Education remains a significant concern, with approximately 13 percent of the total population classified as illiterate, according to the UDHS. Gender disparities persist, with nine percent of women and four percent of men lacking formal education. The report attributes this gap to factors such as the Universal Primary Education program, which has facilitated primary-level education for a larger proportion of men (62%) compared to women (57%).
Furthermore, secondary education attainment rates are notably lower, with only 29% of women and 26% of men completing secondary schooling. The disparity in access to higher education institutions, with only seven percent of women and 12% of men attending, underscores broader socio-economic challenges, particularly in disadvantaged regions characterized by high poverty levels.
Access to information remains a concern, with 30% of women and 18% of men reporting no regular access to newspapers, television, or radio. This lack of access may exacerbate existing disparities and hinder efforts towards informed decision-making and civic engagement.
The UDHS also highlights significant gender differentials in marriage and reproductive health practices. The median age at first marriage is notably lower for women (19 years) compared to men (25 years), with 23% of married women reporting polygamous unions. Regional disparities are evident, with Karamoja exhibiting the highest prevalence of polygamy (55%) and Kigezi the lowest (13%).
In terms of family planning, the report indicates moderate uptake of modern contraceptive methods among both married (38%) and sexually active unmarried women (40%). However, the unmet need for family planning among currently married women remains substantial at 24%, signaling the importance of targeted interventions to expand access and address barriers to reproductive health services.
On a positive note, the UDHS reports a decline in under-five mortality rates from 64 to 52 per 1,000 live births, reflecting improvements in child health outcomes. Similarly, infant and neonatal mortality rates have decreased, indicating progress in maternal and child healthcare delivery. Despite these gains, challenges persist, as evidenced by maternal mortality ratios of 189 deaths per 100,000 live births and pregnancy-related mortality ratios of 228 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Dr. Chris Mukiza, Executive Director of UBOS, underscores the significance of reliable data in guiding policy and programmatic interventions aimed at achieving sustainable development goals. Susan Namondo Ngongi, the United Nations representative in Uganda, acknowledges the government’s commitment to strengthening the national statistical system and emphasizes the collaborative efforts required to sustain progress in healthcare and demographic indicators.
Overall, the UDHS serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, researchers, and development partners, providing crucial insights into the socio-economic determinants of health and well-being in Uganda.