Uganda stands at a unique point in its development journey. With over 75% of its population under the age of 30, the country is rich in human capital. This youthful population presents both an opportunity and a challenge. If well educated, healthy, and productively engaged, these young people can drive rapid economic growth—a phenomenon known as the demographic dividend. But to unlock this potential, Uganda must invest in the right systems, especially in urban development.

At ECANAT Group, we believe smart urban growth is key to harnessing the demographic dividend. Our work focuses on aligning urban planning, service delivery, and data-informed decision-making to support inclusive, resilient, and youth-friendly cities.

The Urban Opportunity

Uganda’s urban population is growing rapidly. Cities like Kampala, Gulu, and Fort Portal are expanding at unprecedented rates. This brings new economic opportunities—but also strains on infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, and water and sanitation services.

Without thoughtful planning, this growth can lead to overcrowding, rising unemployment, poor service delivery, and growing inequality. But with the right strategies, urbanization can create vibrant hubs for innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation—especially for young people.

ECANAT’s Landmark Urbanization Study

To guide this transformation, ECANAT Group led the National Study on Urbanization, Service Delivery, and Harnessing the Demographic Dividend, commissioned by the National Population Council.

This groundbreaking research covered six major cities—Kampala, Gulu, Arua, Jinja, Fort Portal, and Masaka—and involved:

• Over 936 interviews with youth, policymakers, health and education workers, market vendors, and local leaders
• Field-based assessments of service delivery systems in health, education, housing, and WASH
• Insights into land use, population dynamics, infrastructure gaps, and policy frameworks

The study revealed the pressing need for better coordination between urban planning and population growth. It also highlighted the potential of cities to become engines of inclusive economic growth if supported by data-driven strategies.

Smart Growth for a Young Nation

Smart urban growth means more than just building roads or expanding services. It requires a holistic approach that connects people to opportunities. ECANAT advocates for:

• Integrated planning that links land use, transport, and services
• Youth-inclusive policies that prioritize education, employment, and affordable housing
• Data-led governance to ensure decisions are timely, transparent, and evidence-based
• Community engagement to make sure the needs of all urban residents—especially youth and the vulnerable—are heard and met

Through our work, we help city authorities, ministries, and development partners identify where to invest and how to ensure long-term impact.

Building the Cities of Tomorrow

Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the NDPIII recognize the importance of urban development. But achieving these goals requires action now. By investing in people-centered cities, Uganda can turn its youth bulge into a development boom.

At ECANAT Group, we are proud to support this vision—bringing research, technical expertise, and a strong community focus to every project we lead.

Let’s Build Together
Looking to make your urban project youth-friendly and future-ready? Partner with ECANAT Group to design smarter cities and unlock Uganda’s demographic dividend.