Uganda’s governance declines despite gains in rural economy and environmental protection-report
The IIAG, which assesses governance performance across 54 African countries over the 10-year period from 2016 to 2025, ranks Uganda 28th, with a score of 49.3 out of 100, below the continental average of 50.1 but above Eastern Africa’s regional average of 47.5
KAMPALA, November 4, 2026 – Uganda’s overall governance performance has declined over the past decade despite significant improvements in the rural economy, environmental protection and health, according to the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance [IIAG].
The report, released recently by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, and assesses governance performance across 54 African countries over the 10-year period from 2016 to 2025, ranks Uganda 28th, with a score of 49.3 out of 100, below the continental average of 50.1 but above Eastern Africa’s regional average of 47.5.
Uganda’s overall score has dropped by 1.2 points since 2016, although the report indicates a slight recovery in governance performance since 2021.
The country recorded its strongest improvement in the Rural Economy category, gaining 12.1 points to rank sixth in Africa.
Uganda also registered the continent’s largest improvement in the effectiveness of its environmental protection authority, with a 32-point increase. The Health category improved by 5.3 points over the review period.
However, the gains were offset by deteriorating performance in several other areas, particularly Security and Safety, which declined by 10.3 points, and Inclusion and Equality, which fell by 9.3 points.
The report indicates that the deterioration in Inclusion and Equality has accelerated, raising concerns about the country’s progress in promoting equitable access to opportunities and services.
Uganda’s Business and Labour Environment also recorded a decline of 6.2 points, the third-largest drop among the 54 countries assessed.
The country further suffered a significant setback in Regional Integration, dropping 22 places from first position in 2016 to 23rd in 2025.
The findings highlight a mixed governance picture, with progress in economic and environmental-related indicators occurring alongside setbacks in security, inclusion, the business environment and regional integration.
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