Over the past decades, Uganda has experienced a big change in the size and structure of its population, according to the 2002 Ugandan Population and Housing Census Report.
The transformation of Ugandas population characterised by many youth aged between 15 to 29 and large families has resulted in rapid population growth. There is high youth unemployment and many people are facing very low per-capita availability of cropland or fresh water.
The negative impact is mostly felt in developing countries. Rapid population growth has put a big strain on the Government, environment and the people. From schools and hospitals to low-cost housing and food insecurity, the growing population generates a larger demand for public services – a demand that the government cannot meet.
Also, the population growth of 3,3 per cent per annum is one of the leading causes of deforestation in preparation for agriculture.
Population growth during the past 10 years has caused different environmental damages and has led to over-exploitation. Human settlements are encroaching on protected areas such as national parks, wetlands and forest reserves, as a result of weak laws and low monitoring. Many regions are experiencing rapid declines in the quality and availability of critical natural resources.
In some cases, critical ecosystems have been damaged. These conditions act as “demographic risk factors” that can contribute to the cycle of recurrent conflict and political deterioration, inhibiting economic and social progress.
In the absence of a secure livelihood, discontented youth may resort to violence or turn to insurgent organisations as a source of social mobility and self-esteem.
Recent studies show countries with youth bulges were about two-and a half times more likely to experience an outbreak of civil conflict during the 1990s than countries below this benchmark. About 56 per cent of Ugandans are below 18 years. The population rate of 3,3 per cent per annum means every woman gives birth to seven children.
The Uganda Participatory Assessment identified “large families as a cause of poverty” and moreover, the high fertility rate is threatening to wipe out development achievements.
If no action is taken by 2013-14, the number of people living in poverty will raise to 10,3 million. High fertility increases poverty through reduced access to; national resources, clean drinking water, food security, health and sanitation.
Furthermore, high fertility in rural areas expands to urban areas and rural poverty gets transformed into urban poverty. Kampala was planned for 500.000 people, but the it has grown to more than two million due to migration and high population growth. This leads to coming up of slums.
According to the 2002 census report, only 4,6 million people or 17 per cent are aged between 30 and 60, which is the most economically productive group. The majority are below 18 years and depend on the economical group.
Dependants put pressure on them in that too many family members share the income of one person. The poverty level in such families becomes even worse when an adults dies and leaves young children.
In recent years, the concept of reproductive health has changed to encompass much more than preventing pregnancy through birth control. Now, it includes sex education, information on STDs and access to contraceptives. Reproductive health implies that Ugandans should take gender equality more seriously since it is directly linked to population growth. Having fewer children means parents can invest more in education and health.
Studies indicate that as average family declines, savings increase. Household savings are among the major sources of internal investment in developing countries. An immense investment in health, primary and secondary female education must be established.
Family planning will lower the fertility rate. This contributes towards a behaviour change so that smaller families become more accepted. If action is taken to reduce the population rate by 1 per cent per annum, the number of Ugandans living in poverty, will be reduced by 3,2 million people in the next decade, which is essential to fight poverty and increase human security.
This will fulfil the first millennium goal, which will halve the poverty by 2015.
Kilder: New Vision, Uganda og The Push Journal
