History of Uganda in Timeline
"Uganda, officially known as the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked East African nation. Kenya borders it to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south. A sizable portion of Lake Victoria, which Uganda shares with Kenya and Tanzania, is located in the nation's south. Uganda has a diverse equatorial climate and is located in the African Great Lakes region, inside the Nile basin. With over 49 million residents as of 2024, Kampala, the country's capital and largest city, is home to 8.5 million of them."
1900: Start of Sleeping Sickness Epidemic
A devastating sleeping sickness epidemic began in 1900 in southern Uganda, near Lake Victoria.
1900: Expansion of the Protectorate
The Uganda Protectorate expanded its reach in 1900 by signing a treaty with the Toro kingdom.
1901: Further Expansion
The Uganda Protectorate continued to expand in 1901 with the signing of a treaty with the Ankole kingdom.
1920: End of Sleeping Sickness Epidemic
By 1920, the sleeping sickness epidemic in southern Uganda had run its course, but not before claiming the lives of over 250,000 people.
1933: Final Expansion
The Uganda Protectorate encompassed a territory roughly equivalent to present-day Uganda by 1933, after signing a treaty with the Bunyoro kingdom.
October 1962: Independence and Commonwealth Membership
On October 9, 1962, Uganda achieved independence from the United Kingdom, with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. The country remained a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
1962: Ugandan Independence
Uganda gained its independence in 1962, with Milton Obote as the first prime minister, after the British established the Protectorate of Uganda in 1894.
1962: End of the Protectorate
The British Protectorate of Uganda, established in 1894, came to an end in 1962 as Uganda gained independence.
1962: First Post-Independence Election
The first election after Uganda gained independence took place in 1962, resulting in a victory for the alliance between the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) and Kabaka Yekka (KY).
October 1963: Becoming a Republic
In October 1963, Uganda transitioned to a republican form of government while retaining its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations.
1964: Political Shifts and Internal Conflicts
By the end of 1964, the UPC's dominance was evident as several DP members, including Basil Kiiza Bataringaya, switched sides, leaving the DP with a diminished presence in parliament. However, internal conflicts and factionalism began to plague the UPC, fueled by ethnic, regional, and personal interests.
1964: Lost Counties Referendum
In 1964, the Ugandan government addressed demands from some areas within the Buganda Kingdom, known as the "lost counties," for autonomy. A referendum was held, and despite opposition from the Kabaka and Buganda loyalists, the residents voted to rejoin Bunyoro.
1964: UPC Delegates Conference and Growing Dissension
The UPC delegates conference in Gulu in 1964 exposed the growing internal divisions within the party, particularly the contest for the Secretary-General position between Grace Ibingira and John Kakonge.
February 1966: Obote Assumes Special Powers and Arrests Ministers
In February 1966, Obote responded to KY's challenge by arresting ministers, including Ibingira, and assuming special powers. This move aimed to consolidate his control over the government and counter opposition from KY and other dissenting factions.
March 1966: Abolition of Constitution and Dismissal of the Kabaka
In March 1966, Obote abolished the constitution, effectively suspending the upcoming elections. He also dismissed the Kabaka (King) of Buganda, removing him from the position of ceremonial president. These actions signaled Obote's move towards authoritarianism and centralized power.
April 1966: Military Recruitment and Ethnic Tensions
In April 1966, Obote oversaw the graduation of a new cohort of army recruits in Moroto, with a significant majority hailing from the Northern Region. This action further fueled ethnic tensions and divisions within the country.
May 1966: Attack on the Kabaka's Palace
In May 1966, the Kabaka, seeking foreign support, demanded the Ugandan government's withdrawal from Buganda. Obote responded by ordering Idi Amin to attack the Kabaka's palace. The ensuing battle resulted in significant casualties, and the Kabaka fled into exile in London. Obote's victory solidified his control over Uganda but marked a turning point towards authoritarian rule.
1966: The Mengo Crisis
The Mengo Crisis of 1966 marked a significant conflict between the Ugandan government and the Buganda kingdom.
1966: Parliamentary Challenge and Allegations Against Obote
In 1966, tensions escalated as KY challenged Obote's government through parliament. Daudi Ochieng, a KY MP, exposed the alleged involvement of Obote and his allies in the illegal exploitation of resources from the Congo. Parliament voted to censure Colonel Idi Amin, Obote's army chief of staff, and investigate Obote's involvement, further increasing political instability.
1966: Suspension of the Constitution and Removal of President and Vice-President
In 1966, following a power struggle between Prime Minister Milton Obote's government and King Muteesa II, Obote suspended the constitution and removed the ceremonial president and vice-president.
1966: UPC Internal Conflicts Escalate
By 1966, the internal conflicts within the UPC, which had been brewing for some time, escalated, significantly impacting the party's stability and unity.
1966: UPC Fragmentation and Challenges
In 1966, the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) experienced internal fragmentation as opponents challenged Obote's leadership. Discontent grew at the local level, with attempts to remove UPC council leaders. The upcoming 1967 elections posed a threat to the UPC's hold on power due to the loss of support from the Kabaka Yekka (KY) and growing internal divisions.
1967: Proclamation of a Republic and Abolition of Traditional Kingdoms
In 1967, a new constitution was implemented, formally proclaiming Uganda a republic. This new constitution also led to the abolishment of traditional kingdoms, including the powerful Buganda Kingdom. Obote appointed himself as president.
1967: Looming National Elections
The year 1967 marked the approach of national elections in Uganda. The UPC, facing internal factionalism and the loss of KY support, faced the possibility of losing power after the elections.
1968: Uganda Boxing Team Olympic Success
In 1968, the Uganda national boxing team, known as The Bombers, began their streak of winning four medals at the Summer Olympics, a period that would last until 1980.
1969: Population of Uganda
In 1969, Uganda's population was 9.5 million.
January 1971: Military Coup and Amin's Rise to Power
On January 25, 1971, a military coup led by General Idi Amin overthrew Milton Obote's government. Amin seized control of the country, marking the beginning of his brutal dictatorship, which would last for eight years.
1971: Idi Amin's Coup
Idi Amin seized power in a military coup in 1971, ushering in a period of brutal dictatorship, mass killings, and economic decline.
1972: Expulsion of Ugandan-Asians
In 1972, Idi Amin ordered the expulsion of Ugandan-Asians, primarily those of Indian descent, leading to a significant decrease in their population from around 80,000 to as low as 7,000.
1972: John Akii-Bua Wins Uganda's First Olympic Gold Medal
John Akii-Bua made history in 1972 by winning the first Olympic gold medal for Uganda in the 400m hurdles race at the Munich Summer Olympics with a world record time of 47.82 seconds.
1972: Simba SC's achievement in the African Cup of Champions Clubs
Simba SC, a Ugandan football club, made it to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1972.
1974: The Bombers at the World Amateur Boxing Championships
The Bombers won two medals at the 1974 World Amateur Boxing Championships.
1975: Uganda's Cricket World Cup Debut
As part of the East Africa team, Uganda participated in the Cricket World Cup for the first time in 1975.
June 1976: Entebbe Hostage Crisis
In June 1976, Palestinian terrorists hijacked an Air France flight and diverted it to Entebbe Airport in Uganda. The hijacking, which involved the holding of over 100 passengers hostage, became known as the Entebbe Hostage Crisis and garnered international attention. Israeli commandos conducted a daring rescue operation, rescuing most of the hostages.
1978: Uganda national football team's best finish in the Africa Cup of Nations
The Uganda national football team achieved their highest-ever finish in the Africa Cup of Nations in 1978, securing second place.
1979: Uganda-Tanzania War and the End of Amin's Regime
In 1979, the Uganda-Tanzania War, sparked by Amin's attempt to annex Tanzanian territory, led to the overthrow of Idi Amin's regime. Tanzanian forces, supported by Ugandan exiles, invaded Uganda and forced Amin to flee into exile.
1979: Return of Indians after Amin's removal
Following the ousting of Idi Amin in 1979, many Indians returned to Uganda.
1979: Overthrow of Idi Amin
Idi Amin's brutal regime was overthrown in 1979, ending a dark chapter in Uganda's history.
1980: End of Olympic Success, Start of World Championship Success
1980 marked the end of an era for The Bombers, as they won their last Olympic medal for this period of success. However, this year precedes their success at the 1974 World Amateur Boxing Championships, where they won two medals.
1980: Outbreak of the Ugandan Bush War
The Ugandan Bush War, a guerilla war waged by Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Army (NRA) against the government of Milton Obote, erupted in 1980. The war, characterized by brutality and human rights abuses, caused widespread suffering and displacement in Uganda.
January 1986: Yoweri Museveni Becomes President
In January 1986, Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Army (NRA) overthrew the short-lived government that had replaced Idi Amin. This victory marked the end of years of instability and violence in Uganda, and Museveni's assumption of the presidency ushered in a new era for the country.
1986: Rise of Yoweri Museveni
Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power in 1986 after a six-year guerrilla war, bringing a mix of stability, growth, and concerns about authoritarian practices.
1986: Yoweri Museveni's Rise to Power
Yoweri Museveni came to power in Uganda in 1986.
1986: Shifting Economic Landscape in Uganda
While agriculture, particularly coffee production, dominated Uganda's economy in 1986, accounting for 56 percent, the services sector emerged as a major contributor, comprising 52 percent of GDP by 2007. This shift highlighted a transformation in Uganda's economic structure.
1986: Low Primary School Enrollment
Only two million children were enrolled in primary school in Uganda in 1986.
1990: Economic Growth Begins
In 1990, Uganda's economy began a period of growth, with real GDP increasing at an average of 6.7% annually until 2015.
1991: SC Villa's achievement in the African Cup of Champions Clubs
In 1991, the Ugandan football club SC Villa reached the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs.
1992: High Poverty Rate
In 1992, 56 percent of Uganda's population lived in poverty.
1993: Pope John Paul II's Visit to Uganda
In 1993, Pope John Paul II embarked on a six-day pastoral trip to Uganda. During his visit, he called for reconciliation and peace in the country, acknowledging the suffering of Ugandans and honoring Christian martyrs.
1996: Establishment of the Uganda Securities Exchange
The Uganda Securities Exchange was established in 1996, providing a platform for listing equities and facilitating privatization efforts by the government.
1996: Davis Kamoga's Olympic Bronze Medal
Ugandan athlete Davis Kamoga secured a bronze medal in the 400 meters race at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
1997: Davis Kamoga's World Championship Silver Medal
A year after his Olympic success, Davis Kamoga won a silver medal at the 1997 World Championships in the 400 meters.
1997: Free Primary Education
The Ugandan government declared free primary education for all children in 1997, leading to a substantial rise in primary school enrollment from two million in 1986 to six million by 1999.
1997: Universal Primary Education Introduced
Uganda witnessed significant gains in primary education access after introducing Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1997.
1998: Second Congo War and Regional Conflicts
In 1998, Uganda became embroiled in the Second Congo War, a complex conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda's involvement in the war, along with other regional conflicts, led to widespread violence, displacement, and a devastating humanitarian crisis.
1998: Water Sector Reforms Begin
Uganda initiated sector reforms in its water and sanitation sector between 1998 and 2003.
1999: Increased Primary School Enrollment
By 1999, primary school enrollment in Uganda had risen to six million children, a significant increase attributed to the introduction of free primary education in 1997.
2000: Contraceptive use stagnates
From 2000 to 2011, there was little change in the percentage of sexually active unmarried Ugandan women who used modern contraception.
2000: Start of Period of Economic Growth Without Poverty Reduction
From 2000 to 2003, Uganda experienced an average annual economic growth rate of 2.5 percent.
2001: Energy Market Liberalization
Uganda unbundled its generation, transmission, and supply segments in 2001, becoming one of the few sub-Saharan African countries with liberalized and financially viable energy markets.
2001: Funding for Increased Water Coverage
Uganda's PEAP estimated a need for US$1.4 billion (US$92 million annually) from 2001 to 2015 to achieve 95% water supply coverage.
2001: Elimination of User Fees at State Health Facilities
Uganda's elimination of user fees at state health facilities in 2001 led to an 80% increase in visits, with over half of the increase from the poorest 20% of the population, contributing to Uganda's progress towards its Millennium Development Goals.
September 2002: Population growth since previous census
Uganda's population grew by 10.6 million in the 12 years following September 2002.
2002: Religious demographics in Uganda
In 2002, approximately 1% of Uganda's population adhered to traditional religions.
2002: Religious demographics in Uganda
In 2002, the Roman Catholic Church held the largest following in Uganda with 41.6% of the population, followed by the Anglican Church of Uganda at 35.9%. Islam represented 12.1% of the population, while Evangelical/Pentecostal/Born-Again Christians accounted for 4.7%.
2002: Literacy Rate and Public Spending on Education
The 2002 census reported a literacy rate of 66.8% in Uganda (76.8% for males and 57.7% for females), with public education expenditure at 5.2% of GDP from 2002 to 2005.
2003: End of Period of Economic Growth Without Poverty Reduction
Despite experiencing an average annual growth rate of 2.5 percent between 2000 and 2003, poverty levels in Uganda paradoxically increased by 3.8 percent during this time. This phenomenon highlighted the need for inclusive economic growth that benefits all segments of society.
2003: Water Sector Reforms Continue
Uganda's water and sanitation sector reforms continued until 2003, focusing on commercialization, modernization, decentralization, and private sector participation.
2004: Poverty Eradication Action Plan
Uganda's Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) in 2004 recognized water and sanitation as a crucial sector in the fight against poverty.
May 2005: British Aid Reduction
The British government decided to partially withhold aid to Uganda in May 2005 due to concerns over political freedom violations, including attacks on opposition members.
July 2005: Constitutional Referendum Lifts Ban on Multi-Party Politics
In July 2005, a significant constitutional referendum was held in Uganda, resulting in the cancellation of the nineteen-year ban on multi-party politics. This decision marked a move towards a more democratic system and allowed for greater political participation.
2005: Public Education Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP
Public spending on education in Uganda constituted 5.2% of the GDP between 2002 and 2005.
2005: "Feelings Struggle" Marks New Era of Ugandan Cinema
The year 2005 saw the release of "Feelings Struggle," the first publicly recognized film entirely produced by Ugandans. Directed and written by Hajji Ashraf Ssemwogerere, the film is considered a landmark achievement in Ugandan cinema history and helped to inspire a new generation of filmmakers in the country.
2005: Swahili becomes the second official language
In 2005, Uganda amended its constitution to recognize Swahili as the country's second official language, alongside English.
2005: Abolition of Presidential Term Limits
In 2005, the Ugandan Parliament voted to abolish presidential term limits, a move widely seen as a means to allow President Yoweri Museveni to extend his rule. The decision sparked controversy and raised concerns about democratic backsliding in Uganda.
2005: Increase in Female-Headed Households
In 2005, 26% of Ugandan households were headed by women only, a rise from previous years attributed to male deaths from AIDS, with the highest proportion in the top income quintile (31%).
2005: Dorcus Inzikuru's World Championship Victory
Dorcus Inzikuru triumphed in the 3000 m steeplechase at the 2005 World Championships.
February 2006: Presidential Elections
Presidential elections were held in Uganda in February 2006. President Yoweri Museveni, after the removal of term limits, ran for re-election against several challengers, including Kizza Besigye.
February 2006: Arrest of Kizza Besigye and High Court Siege
The arrest of opposition leader Kizza Besigye and the heavily armed siege of the High Court during his hearing before the February 2006 elections drew international condemnation.
2006: Water and Sanitation Progress Report
A 2006 report highlighted substantial progress in Uganda's urban water supply and sanitation sector since the mid-1990s, driven by increased coverage, operational improvements, and commercial performance.
2006: Comprehensive Expenditure Framework
A 2006 report highlighted the introduction of a comprehensive expenditure framework in Uganda to coordinate financial support for the water and sanitation sector from external donors, the government, and NGOs.
2006: Dorcus Inzikuru's Commonwealth Games Gold
Dorcus Inzikuru continued her winning streak in the 3000 m steeplechase by securing a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
2006: High rate of pregnancy-related deaths
The 2006 Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS) indicated that approximately 6,000 women died each year due to complications during pregnancy.
2006: Non-Governmental Organizations (Amendment) Act
The Non-Governmental Organizations (Amendment) Act of 2006 restricted NGO operations in Uganda by imposing barriers to entry, funding, and assembly, raising concerns about government control and limitations on the sector.
2007: Publication of Alleged Gay Men List
The newspaper Red Pepper published a list of allegedly gay men in 2007, leading to harassment of individuals on the list.
2007: Refugee Rights Violations
The US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants reported violations of refugee rights in Uganda in 2007, including forcible deportations and violence against refugees.
2007: Pension Sector Reform in Uganda
In 2007, pension sector reform gained significant attention as a means to boost formal domestic savings in Uganda. This reform aimed to strengthen the country's social security system and provide better retirement options for its citizens.
2007: Universal Secondary Education Introduced
In 2007, Uganda became the first sub-Saharan African country to implement Universal Secondary Education (USE), resulting in a nearly 25% increase in lower secondary enrollment between 2007 and 2012.
2007: Growth of Uganda's Service Sector
By 2007, Uganda's service sector had become a dominant force in the economy, representing 52 percent of the country's GDP. This marked a significant shift from its earlier reliance on agriculture.
2008: HIV infection rates decline
By the end of 2008, Uganda's HIV infection rates fell to 6.4 percent, down from 30 percent in the 1980s.
2008: Research funding as a percentage of GDP
In 2008, research funding in Uganda constituted 0.33% of the country's GDP.
February 2009: Lord's Resistance Army Atrocities
In February 2009, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), led by Joseph Kony, was accused by a UN official of "appalling brutality" in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
September 2009: Buganda King's Movement Restricted, Riots Erupt
In September 2009, President Museveni's refusal to allow the Baganda king to visit certain areas, including Kayunga district, sparked riots resulting in over 40 deaths and imprisonments.
October 2009: Anti-Homosexuality Bill Introduced
In October 2009, Ugandan MP David Bahati introduced the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which sought to broaden the criminalization of homosexuality. The bill proposed severe penalties, including the death penalty for certain offenses.
2009: Decreased Poverty Rate
By 2009, Uganda had reduced its poverty incidence to 24.5 percent from 56 percent in 1992.
2009: National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy established
Uganda implemented the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy in 2009, aiming to enhance the nation's capacity to utilize scientific knowledge and technologies for sustainable development.
October 2010: "100 Pictures of Uganda's Top Homos Leak" Publication
The Ugandan newspaper Rolling Stone published an article in October 2010, "100 Pictures of Uganda's Top Homos Leak," listing names, addresses, and photos of allegedly gay individuals, prompting international condemnation and attacks against those listed.
2010: Increase in research funding and number of researchers
Between 2008 and 2010, Uganda witnessed a rise in research funding from 0.33% to 0.48% of its GDP. Additionally, the number of researchers doubled during this period, reaching 2,823, as per data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.
2010: East African Common Market Protocol
The East African Common Market Protocol, guaranteeing free trade and movement of people within member countries, was signed in 2010 but has faced implementation challenges.
2010: Maternal deaths from unsafe abortion
Unsafe abortion was estimated to account for 8% of maternal deaths in Uganda in 2010, as reported by the Ugandan Ministry of Health.
2010: Limited Access to Improved Water Source
Despite progress in water and sanitation, 38 percent of Uganda's population still lacked access to an improved water source in 2010.
January 2011: Murder of David Kato
Gay rights activist David Kato was murdered in January 2011, following the publication of the "100 Pictures of Uganda's Top Homos Leak" article.
February 2011: Contested Presidential Election
Presidential elections took place in Uganda in February 2011. Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner by the Uganda Electoral Commission, securing another term in office. However, the opposition, led by Kizza Besigye, disputed the results, alleging rigging and irregularities.
April 2011: "Walk to Work" Demonstrations and Killings
Nine people were killed during the "Walk to Work" demonstrations in April 2011.
July 2011: Uganda Qualifies for Little League World Series
For the first time in history, a team from Kampala, Uganda, qualified for the Little League World Series by defeating the Saudi Arabian team. Despite their victory, visa complications prevented the team from attending the series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
2011: Contraceptive use among married and wealthy women
In 2011, approximately 26% of married Ugandan women used contraceptives, with usage varying significantly between poor (around 15%) and wealthy (around 40%) women.
2011: Museveni's Election
Yoweri Museveni was elected president in 2011, marking another term in his extended rule.
2011: Improved Sanitation Access
In 2011, access to improved sanitation in Uganda varied, with government figures reporting 70% coverage in rural areas and 81% in urban areas, while UN figures indicated only 34% overall coverage.
July 2012: Ebola outbreak in Kibaale District
In July 2012, an Ebola outbreak struck the Kibaale District of Uganda.
August 2012: Anonymous Targets Uganda over Anti-Gay Bills
In August 2012, the hacktivist group Anonymous launched cyberattacks against Ugandan government websites in protest against the country's controversial anti-gay bills. The group's actions brought international attention to the issue and contributed to the pressure on Uganda to reconsider its stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
September 2012: Torture and Extrajudicial Killings Report
A US State Department report in September 2012 highlighted pervasive torture and extrajudicial killings in Uganda, with numerous allegations against security forces and prison officials.
October 2012: End of Ebola outbreak
On October 4, 2012, the Ugandan Ministry of Health declared the end of the Ebola outbreak that began in July 2012. At least 16 people died.
2012: Petroleum Bill and Concerns Over Oil Revenue Transparency
The passage of the Petroleum Bill in 2012, intended to bring transparency to the oil sector, faced criticism for potentially exacerbating corruption, with concerns raised about the government's control over oil revenue.
2012: Infant Mortality Rate
The infant mortality rate in Uganda in 2012 was approximately 61 deaths per 1,000 children.
2012: Embezzlement of Donor Funds
The embezzlement of $12.6 million of donor funds intended for northern Uganda and the Karamoja region from the Office of the Prime Minister in 2012 led to aid suspension by several European countries.
2012: US Department of State Human Rights Report
The US Department of State's 2012 Human Rights Report on Uganda highlighted severe corruption, stating the country loses an estimated $286 million annually to corruption.
2012: Uganda Listed as a Heavily Indebted Poor Country
The World Bank, in 2012, still categorized Uganda as a Heavily Indebted Poor Country, underscoring the country's ongoing economic challenges and need for debt relief.
2012: Increased Lower Secondary Enrollment
Lower secondary enrollment in Uganda surged by almost 25% between 2007 and 2012, following the implementation of Universal Secondary Education.
2012: Voucher scheme for health services shows promise
In 2012, pilot studies conducted by Future Health Systems indicated that a voucher system covering health services and transportation to clinics could significantly reduce maternal mortality rates in Uganda.
2012: Poverty Rate
In 2012, 37.8 percent of Uganda's population lived on less than $1.25 per day.
2012: Tourism as a key economic driver
During the 2012-13 financial year, tourism played a significant role in driving employment, investment, and foreign exchange in Uganda.
2012: Uganda Attends the Little League World Series
After their previous qualification was cut short, Ugandan Little League teams successfully qualified for and attended the 2012 Little League World Series.
2012: Stephen Kiprotich's Olympic Marathon Victory
Stephen Kiprotich emerged victorious in the marathon at the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London.
April 2013: Launch of Uganda Vision 2040
In April 2013, Uganda Vision 2040, a plan to transform the country into a modern and prosperous nation within 30 years, was launched.
August 2013: Suspected Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever outbreak
In August 2013, three people died in northern Uganda from a suspected outbreak of Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever, according to the Ugandan Health Ministry.
August 2013: Tourism's contribution to Uganda's GDP
As of August 2013, tourism in Uganda contributed 4.9 trillion Ugandan shillings (US$1.88 billion or €1.4 billion) to the country's GDP in the 2012–13 financial year.
December 2013: Anti-Homosexuality Bill Passed
After facing delays due to international condemnation, the Ugandan parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in December 2013, although the death penalty was dropped from the final legislation.
2013: Human Rights Watch Report on Uninvestigated Killings
The Human Rights Watch World Report on Uganda in 2013 criticized the government's failure to investigate killings connected to the 2009 Buganda riots and the 2011 "Walk to Work" demonstrations.
2013: Stephen Kiprotich's World Championship Marathon Win
Stephen Kiprotich continued his winning streak in the marathon by winning the 2013 World Championships.
2013: Low prevalence of FGM
According to a 2013 UNICEF report, only 1 percent of women in Uganda had undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice deemed illegal in the country.
February 2014: International Condemnation and Bill Signed
President Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law in February 2014. The law drew widespread condemnation from the international community, with countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden withholding aid. The World Bank also postponed a loan, and the United States reviewed its ties with Uganda.
June 2014: Parliamentary Salary Controversy and Protest
In June 2014, Ugandan parliamentarians' pursuit of a significant salary increase, despite earning 60 times more than most state employees, sparked protests and criticism, including a demonstration involving piglets smuggled into parliament to symbolize corruption.
August 2014: Constitutional Court Invalidates the Bill
In August 2014, the Constitutional Court of Uganda declared the Anti-Homosexuality Bill invalid due to a lack of quorum during its passing. President Museveni, concerned about international backlash, advised against appealing the ruling and indicated that any new bill should not criminalize consensual same-sex relationships between adults.
2014: Population of Uganda, median age, and fertility rate
By 2014, Uganda's population soared to 34.9 million, making it the country with the world's lowest median age at 15 years old. Additionally, Uganda recorded the fifth-highest total fertility rate globally, with 5.97 children born per woman.
2014: Uganda's Economic Growth in Fiscal Year 2015-2016
During the fiscal year 2015-2016, Uganda's economy demonstrated growth, with a 4.6 percent increase in real GDP and an 11.6 percent increase in nominal GDP.
2014: UCC Regulations Boost Ugandan Film Production
In 2014, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) started preparing regulations to increase the amount of Ugandan content broadcast on television, requiring 70% Ugandan content with 40% being independent productions. This emphasis on local productions aimed to bolster the Ugandan film industry and promote its growth.
2014: Religious demographics based on the 2014 census
The 2014 census in Uganda revealed that traditional religions were followed by 0.1% of the population, a decrease from 1% in 2002. Other religions accounted for 1.4%, while 0.2% reported no religious affiliation.
2015: Target Year for Water Coverage
Uganda aimed to achieve 95% water supply coverage by 2015, with the majority of funding allocated to rural areas (US$956 million).
2015: Economic Growth Continues
By 2015, Uganda's real GDP had grown at an average of 6.7% annually since 1990, while real GDP per capita grew at 3.3% annually during the same period.
2015: Uganda's Export Income by Merchandise
In 2015, Uganda's main sources of export income included coffee, oil re-exports, base metals and products, fish, maize, cement, tobacco, tea, sugar, hides and skins, cocoa beans, beans, simsim, flowers, and other products. Coffee remained a significant export commodity, generating substantial revenue for the country.
2015: Uganda's Economic Growth in Fiscal Year 2014-2015
In the fiscal year 2014-2015, Uganda experienced a real GDP growth rate of 5.0 percent, indicating positive economic performance.
2015: Stephen Kiprotich's Second Place Finish in Tokyo
Stephen Kiprotich achieved a second-place finish in the 2015 Tokyo Marathon.
2015: The Silverbacks' Debut
The Uganda national basketball team, also known as "The Silverbacks," marked their first appearance at the 2015 FIBA Africa Championship.
2015: World Bank Governance Indicators
The World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators in 2015 placed Uganda among the lowest 12 percentile of countries.
September 2016: Uganda-Tanzania Oil Pipeline Deal
On September 13, 2016, Uganda and Tanzania signed an agreement to construct a 1,445 km, $3.5 billion crude oil pipeline (UTCOP or EACOP) to connect Uganda's Hoima region to Tanzania's Tanga port on the Indian Ocean.
November 2016: Uganda's Inflation Rate
In November 2016, the Ugandan Bureau of Statistics reported an inflation rate of 4.6 percent, reflecting changes in the country's price levels.
2016: Transparency International Corruption Ranking
Transparency International ranked Uganda 151st out of 176 countries in 2016, with a score of 25 out of 100, indicating a high perceived level of corruption.
2016: Museveni's Re-election
Yoweri Museveni secured another presidential term in the 2016 general elections.
2016: Remittances and Economic Growth in Uganda
Uganda, with a substantial diaspora primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom, benefited significantly from remittances in 2016, receiving an estimated US$1.099 billion. These remittances played a crucial role in driving economic growth and supporting various sectors, including property investment.
2017: Uganda's Inflation Rate for Fiscal Year 2016/17
During the fiscal year 2016/17, Uganda recorded an inflation rate of 5.7 percent, indicating a rise in the general price level of goods and services.
2017: Entebbe Airport Traffic
Uganda's Entebbe International Airport handled 1.53 million passengers in 2017, an 8% increase from the previous year.
June 2018: Uganda's Inflation Rate Drops
Uganda's statistics agency announced on June 29, 2018, that the country's inflation rate had decreased to 3.4 percent in the 2017/18 fiscal year, down from 5.7 percent in the previous fiscal year.
2018: Shifts in religious demographics
By 2018, the religious landscape in Uganda experienced shifts. The Roman Catholic Church remained the largest denomination but saw a decrease to 39.3%, while the Anglican Church of Uganda also declined to 32%. Notably, the Evangelical/Pentecostal/Born-Again Christian community grew significantly to 11.1%, while the Muslim population increased to 14%.
2018: Asuman Basalirwa Elected to Parliament
In 2018, Asuman Basalirwa, representing Bugiri Municipality on the Justice Forum party ticket, was elected as a member of parliament.
2018: Telecommunications Subscribers
In 2018, Uganda had over 24 million subscribers across seven telecommunications companies, with over 95% of internet connections made via mobile phones.
2019: Uganda's ranking in the Global Innovation Index
In 2019, Uganda was ranked 102nd in the Global Innovation Index.
2019: Life Expectancy at Birth
In 2019, life expectancy at birth in Uganda was estimated to be 63.4 years.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index
In 2019, Uganda scored 4.36 out of 10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, ranking 128th globally.
2019: Halimah Nakaayi's World Championship Gold
Halimah Nakaayi won the 800 meters race at the 2019 World Championships.
2019: Slow Progress on LGBTQ+ Rights in Africa
As of 2019, progress on LGBTQ+ rights in Africa remained slow, with South Africa being the sole country recognizing same-sex marriage.
2020: Uganda at the Olympics
As of 2020, Uganda had won a total of nine medals at the Olympics, with four medals won in boxing and three in athletics.
2020: Accredited Private Universities
As of 2020, the NCHE website listed 46 accredited private universities in Uganda, including Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kyambogo University, Gulu University, Uganda Christian University, and Kampala International University.
January 2021: Presidential Election
In January 2021, Yoweri Museveni won the presidential election with 58% of the vote, according to official results, amidst allegations of fraud and irregularities.
August 2021: Uganda hosts over 1.4 million refugees
As of August 2021, Uganda provided refuge to over 1.4 million refugees, primarily from neighboring countries in the African Great Lakes region, according to the UNHCR. The majority of refugees originated from South Sudan (68%) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (24.6%). Notably, Uganda also received refugees from Afghanistan in August 2021 following the Taliban's takeover.
2021: Museveni's Continued Rule
Yoweri Museveni was elected president again in the 2021 general elections, extending his long tenure.
2022: Uganda's Administrative Divisions
As of 2022, Uganda was administratively divided into four regions and 136 districts. Rural areas within districts were further subdivided into sub-counties, parishes, and villages, while urban areas featured municipal and town councils.
March 2023: International Condemnation of Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill
Following the passage of the anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda, the United States, along with other countries and organizations such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and the European Union, strongly condemned the legislation. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre affirmed the universality of human rights, emphasizing that no one should face persecution or violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
March 2023: Uganda's Parliament Passes Bill Imposing Harsh Penalties for Homosexuality
On March 21, 2023, the Ugandan parliament passed a bill that would impose life imprisonment for identifying as homosexual and the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality." This bill significantly escalated the criminalization of homosexuality in Uganda.
March 2023: Introduction of Bill Targeting Homosexuality in Uganda
On March 9, 2023, Asuman Basalirwa, a member of the Ugandan parliament, introduced a bill aimed at criminalizing gay sex and any support for LGBTQ+ rights. The bill's introduction was marked by inflammatory rhetoric from Basalirwa and the parliament speaker, who condemned homosexuality as a "human wrong" and vowed to pass the bill despite potential consequences.
March 2023: Anti-Homosexuality Bill Swiftly Passed in Uganda
The Ugandan parliament, on March 21, 2023, swiftly passed the anti-homosexuality bill with overwhelming support, indicating a strong legislative stance against LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
2023: Uganda's ranking in the Global Innovation Index
Uganda held the 121st position in the 2023 Global Innovation Index, a decline from its 102nd ranking in 2019.
May 2024: New Inspector General of Police appointed
Abbas Byakagaba was appointed as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Uganda in May 2024, succeeding Geoffrey Tumusiime.
2024: Uganda Qualifies for 2024 ICC T20 World Cup
The Uganda national cricket team celebrated a significant achievement by qualifying for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
2040: Target year for Uganda Vision 2040
Uganda Vision 2040 aims to transform the country from a peasant society to a modern and prosperous one by 2040.