Across several social and economic dimensions Uganda scores relatively well in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of gender gaps. Yet, despite a progressive institutional framework, women continue facing higher poverty and vulnerability, lower education opportunities, and obstacles to acquiring productive assets. While existing social protection and economic (i.e. poverty-reducing) programs do not show gender exclusion given the need to close the remaining gaps in opportunities and outcomes consideration could be given to strengthening direct gender targeting and increasing programmatic support.
1. Uganda has navigated the post pandemic recovery well. The impacts of the pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine have by now largely tapered off: real GDP growth is back to its prepandemic levels, inflation is among the lowest in the region, and fiscal and external balances have seen notable improvements (Text Figure 1). However, Uganda’s gap in real per capita income with other emerging and developing economies continues to widen. Over the last year, external buffers have also declined, denting Uganda’s ability to weather future shocks.
Finance & Development, March 2020