KAPCHORWA, Uganda— A new census report reveals a stark contrast in the Sebei sub-region’s development journey, showing significant strides in water accessibility while exposing deep-seated problems with poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. The data, compiled by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, paints a nuanced picture that will likely shape future government interventions.
The 2024 National Population and Housing Census, which covers the Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo districts, found that 85.2% of households now benefit from improved water sources. This progress, however, is contrasted by the region’s overall struggle to meet basic needs. The report classifies a significant 36.8% of the population as poor, with many households trapped in subsistence living and unable to meet basic needs without external aid. The findings underscore the economic fragility of a region where nearly 44% of households are considered food insecure. The prevalence of food insecurity is notably higher among women at 48.1%, compared to 40.2% for men.
The census also highlights a significant youth employment crisis. While the overall working-age population (14–64 years) makes up 55.9% of Sebei’s residents, the unemployment rate for adults 15 and over is 16.3%, far exceeding the national average. A particularly concerning statistic is that 38.2% of youth aged 15–24 are not in employment, education, or training, a demographic often referred to as NEET. These figures suggest a critical mismatch between the region’s youthful population and available economic opportunities.
In addition to economic challenges, the report identifies several persistent social and infrastructural hurdles. The region’s total fertility rate stands at 5.2 children per woman, a figure higher than the national average that places additional strain on family resources and public services. Sanitation remains a critical public health issue, with only 34.2% of households having access to improved facilities. A worrying 6.6% of the population still practices open defecation. Furthermore, access to modern utilities is low; only 16.9% of households are connected to the electrical grid or use solar energy, and a mere 1% use clean cooking fuels. The reliance on traditional cooking methods like wood (62.3%) and charcoal (29.5%) raises environmental and health concerns.
Officials from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics have acknowledged that while progress has been made in certain areas like water access, the region’s rugged geography and underlying socio-economic challenges are hindering broader development. The census data is expected to be a vital tool for policymakers to create targeted interventions aimed at improving employment, education, public health, and poverty reduction in the Sebei highlands.
