Unemployment, corruption and cost of living top Ugandans’ concerns

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Ugandans have identified six critical challenges facing the nation, with unemployment, poor health services, the rising cost of living, corruption, hunger, and poverty/inequality topping the list.

These findings are from the latest Sauti za Wananchi national survey conducted by Twaweza Uganda.

Marie Nanyanzi, a senior programme officer at Twaweza Uganda, said the public is deeply concerned that widespread corruption is hindering effective government service delivery.

“There is rampant corruption, and it’s a major issue,” Nanyanzi said.

“Funds are allocated to important initiatives like the Parish Development Model and ambulance services, but implementation remains weak. Citizens want jobs, better healthcare, and quality education, yet little action is taken against those who derail these efforts.”

Nanyanzi presented the findings during the press plenary organised by the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association at Eureka Hotel on May 30, 2025.

Remigio Achia (Pian County), the deputy chairperson of Parliament’s budget committee addressing the Press Plenary.

The survey, conducted between February and March 2025, included 2,694 respondents from across the country. It revealed that the most pressing national concerns among Ugandans are:

Unemployment (39%)

Health services (39%)

Cost of living (33%)

Corruption (27%)

Hunger (27%)

Poverty and inequality (24%)

At the household level, the leading concerns were hunger (40%), unemployment (39%), health services (34%), poverty/inequality (33%), and the quality of education (21%).

The report, titled The People’s Priorities: Ugandan Citizens’ Experiences and Opinions, also highlights regional and demographic differences in concern. Residents of rural areas, poorer households, and those with lower levels of education were more likely to identify corruption as a major issue.

Unemployment was a top concern for urban residents, particularly in the Greater Kampala region. There, citizens were more likely to cite unemployment, the high cost of living, and poor education quality, and less likely to cite land issues, poverty, or corruption.

Despite ongoing challenges, the survey found that citizens' overall satisfaction with the government has improved compared to recent years, especially in areas such as crime reduction and education quality.

However, large majorities still feel the government is failing in key areas like job creation, price stability, and fighting corruption.

On taxation, 64% of citizens said they pay taxes to support public services, while 27% said they do so mainly because it is mandatory.

Wealthier individuals were more likely to cite public service delivery as their primary motivation, whereas poorer citizens were more likely to say they pay taxes simply because the law requires it. Gender and age differences on this issue were minimal.

Commenting on the 2025/26 national budget, Remigio Achia (Pian County), the deputy chairperson of Parliament’s budget committee, emphasised the importance of long-term national planning, even when it may conflict with short-term voter demands.

Achia noted that for many years, Uganda's development planning was heavily influenced by institutions like the World Bank.

While NRM MPs often advocate for their constituents’ needs, such as better roads and teacher salaries, they face limitations in pushing these priorities through.

“Since 2016, citizens’ expectations have evolved,” Achia said.

“They now demand improved infrastructure, health facilities, electricity, education, and access to clean water. In Karamoja, for example, people are especially concerned about livestock welfare.”

He raised concerns over Uganda’s rising debt levels, warning that the country risks falling back into a debt trap, with an increasing share of public funds being used to service loans and interest payments.