Uganda will join the global community in commemorating World Population Day this Friday (July 11, 2025) with national celebrations set to take place in Kayunga District.
Under the theme “Promoting Population Health and Well-being through the Parish Development Model (PDM),” this year’s event places a sharp focus on unlocking Uganda’s demographic dividend by investing in population health, youth empowerment, and inclusive economic growth.
With a youthful population, over 70% under the age of 30, according to the 2024 census, Uganda stands at a pivotal moment.
Leaders emphasize that this demographic structure, if well managed, presents a golden opportunity to propel the country into a new era of productivity and prosperity.
“Population is not just a number, but the heartbeat of Uganda’s future,” said Prof. Pamela Mbabazi, Chairperson of the National Planning Authority (NPA). “This youthful energy is Uganda’s greatest asset, but it requires bold investment in education, health, and economic inclusion.”
Central to Uganda’s strategy is the Parish Development Model (PDM), a community-focused program aimed at transitioning millions from subsistence to the money economy. With 33% of households still engaged in subsistence agriculture, the PDM offers a grassroots framework for delivering services and boosting productivity.
“This year’s theme is aligned with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), a blueprint under our Tenfold Growth Strategy,” noted State Minister for Economic Planning Amos Lugolobi, while addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre.
“Our goal is to grow Uganda’s GDP from USD 53.7 billion in FY2023/24 to USD 500 billion by 2040.”
The PDM emphasizes inclusive growth by promoting access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities at the parish level, laying the groundwork for unlocking the demographic dividend.
A wide range of community-driven initiatives are being rolled out across Kayunga District in the lead-up to the national event.
These include: Health outreaches, such as cervical cancer screening, family planning, and medical camps; maternal and child health support, including distribution of 15 delivery beds, 5 incubators, 12 stethoscopes, 200 mama kits, and other essential medical supplies; and a donation of 21 desktop computers to schools and solar installations at Kanjuki SS and Busaana SS.
Water and sanitation improvements, including new water tanks for schools like Kangulumira UMEA P/S and Busaale P/S; youth empowerment, through training in menstrual health and the production of reusable sanitary pads, supported by 10 sewing machines; and planting of trees across the district.
“We are determined to mainstream population issues across all sectors of development with measurable results,” said Prof. Mbabazi. “Reducing teenage pregnancies, expanding family planning, and strengthening health systems are all vital to harnessing our demographic potential.”
To further mobilize communities, regional dialogues involving 17 local governments are scheduled for July 10 at Katikomu Hotel to align local and national development goals.
The celebration also includes sports tournaments, a bicycle race, and school debates to encourage physical activity, teamwork, and civic engagement.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to preside over the national celebrations and officially commission the Kayunga–Baale–Galiraya–Kasokwe Road, a major infrastructure project set to enhance regional trade and connectivity, further strengthening the economic foundations necessary for demographic transformation.
“World Population Day 2025 is not just a celebration, it is a national call to action,” Minister Lugolobi said. “Let us invest in our people today to unlock Uganda’s full potential tomorrow.”