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Country risk report · Africa

Uganda

Political RiskMedium
Operational RiskMedium
Security RiskMedium

Summary

Uganda, located in East Africa, is known as the "Pearl of Africa" for its stunning biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems. The country is bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south. It is landlocked, but Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, provides significant water resources and supports regional trade. Uganda has a population of approximately 48 million (2024 estimate), with Kampala serving as its capital and economic hub. Uganda’s fertile soil supports a predominantly agrarian economy, while its recent oil discoveries hold potential for economic transformation. Uganda’s economy is classified as low-income, heavily reliant on agriculture, which employs over 70% of the population and contributes about a quarter of GDP. Key exports include coffee, tea, fish, and horticultural products. Over the past decade, the government has prioritized diversification, including investments in infrastructure, energy, and oil exploration, aiming to position Uganda as a regional hub for trade and logistics within the East African Community (EAC). Despite these opportunities, Uganda faces significant challenges, including political tensions, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, and reliance on international aid. Urbanization is rising, but rural areas remain underdeveloped, with limited access to basic services.
Capital
Kampala
Population
48 million (2024 estimate)
Official Language
English (Swahili is also widely spoken)
Currency
Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Key Industries
Agriculture (coffee, tea, fish), oil and gas, manufacturing, tourism, services
GDP
$41 billion (2023 estimate)
GDP Growth
5.2% (2023 estimate)

Table of contents

  1. Uganda | Overview
  2. Political Risk Summary
  3. Political Stability
  4. Regulatory Risk
  5. Contract Enforcement
  6. Integrity and Corruption
  7. Sovereign Risk
  8. Operational Risk Summary
  9. Institutional Risk
  10. Infrastructure Risk
  11. Labour Risk
  12. Security Risk Summary
  13. Crime Risk
  14. Terrorism Risk
  15. War Risk
  16. Civil Unrest
  17. Kidnap Risk

Risk levels in the report

From the report’s summary page. The full report explains each level and lists the key concerns behind it.

  • Very Low
  • Low
  • Medium
  • High
  • Very High
Risk levels by category and subcategory
CategoryRisk level
Political RiskMedium
Political StabilityMedium
Regulatory RiskMedium
Contract EnforcementMedium
Integrity and CorruptionHigh
Sovereign RiskMedium
Operational RiskMedium
Institutional RiskHigh
Infrastructure RiskMedium
Labour RiskMedium
Security RiskMedium
CrimeMedium
TerrorismLow
War RiskVery Low
Civil UnrestMedium
Kidnap RiskLow

“I use reports from Risk Information Systems to support my work in compliance and risk assessment. The reports provide a clear overview of country risks and a useful starting point for identifying issues that require closer consideration. I particularly appreciate the concise and accessible format. For me, the reports are a valuable supplement to my own research and professional judgement.”

Anton Arnesen — Group Compliance Officer, Multiconsult Group