Uganda · Africa
How many people die in Uganda every day?
In Uganda, about 849 people die every day, roughly one death every 2 minutes. That is about 310,000 deaths a year, 0.5% of everyone who dies worldwide and the 35th highest total of 194 countries. Life expectancy is 62.7 years and the leading cause of death is hiv/aids. See every death on earth as it happens on the live death counter.
Deaths per day
849
Deaths per year
310,000
Life expectancy
62.7 years
Population
48,582,334
Death rate
6.4 per 1,000
Top cause of death
HIV/AIDS
Compared to the World Average
Life expectancy
Uganda
62.7
World avg
72.8
-10.1 yrs
Death rate (per 1,000)
Uganda
6.4
World avg
7.7
Deaths in Uganda by time period
| Per hour | 35 |
| Per day | 849 |
| Per week | 5,945 |
| Per month | 25,833 |
| Per year | 310,000 |
What people die of in Uganda
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates, the single biggest cause of death in Uganda in 2023 was HIV/AIDS, which accounted for 7.9% of all deaths, about 58 a day. It was followed by pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections and malaria.
Deaths from kidney diseases have more than doubled since 2000, from about 4,260 to 9,423 a year. Deaths from HIV/AIDS have fallen by 75% since 2000, from about 83,945 to 21,117 a year.
| # | Cause | Deaths (2023) | Per day | Share | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HIV/AIDS | 21,117 | 58 | 7.9% | -75% |
| 2 | Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections | 19,464 | 53 | 7.3% | -18% |
| 3 | Malaria | 15,945 | 44 | 6% | -70% |
| 4 | Preterm birth complications | 15,860 | 43 | 6% | +58% |
| 5 | Stroke | 15,055 | 41 | 5.7% | +40% |
| 6 | Heart disease (ischaemic) | 10,877 | 30 | 4.1% | +120% |
| 7 | Diarrhoeal diseases | 10,060 | 28 | 3.8% | -67% |
| 8 | Kidney diseases | 9,423 | 26 | 3.5% | +121% |
| 9 | Birth asphyxia and birth trauma | 7,670 | 21 | 2.9% | -29% |
| 10 | Road injuries | 7,653 | 21 | 2.9% | +45% |
Deaths in Uganda since 2000
WHO estimates that about 266,456 people died in Uganda in 2023, 22% fewer than in 2000. Totals rise as populations grow and age, even when health improves. WHO’s modelled estimates can differ from the headline figures above, which come from a different source.
| 2000 | 341,272 deaths |
| 2010 | 259,774 deaths |
| 2019 | 248,302 deaths |
| 2023 | 266,456 deaths |
Life expectancy in Uganda since 1950
A baby born in Uganda in 1950 could expect to live about 39.7 years. By 2023 that had risen to 68.3, a gain of 28.6 years. See how this compares worldwide on our life expectancy by country page.
| 1950 | 39.7 years |
| 1980 | 43.5 years |
| 2000 | 49.6 years |
| 2010 | 60 years |
| 2019 | 66.4 years |
| 2023 | 68.3 years |
Uganda compared with similar countries in Africa
Among the 50 countries in Africa on this site, Uganda ranks 20th for life expectancy. Here is how it compares with the countries closest to it in population.
| Country | Deaths per day | Life expectancy | Top cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | 849 | 62.7 | HIV/AIDS |
| Sudan | 904 | 65.3 | Cardiovascular disease |
| Algeria | 540 | 76.4 | Cardiovascular disease |
| Kenya | 959 | 62.1 | HIV/AIDS |
| South Africa | 1,397 | 62.3 | HIV/AIDS |
| Morocco | 548 | 74 | Cardiovascular disease |
Sources: WHO Global Health Estimates 2023 (deaths by cause and totals); UN World Population Prospects via Our World in Data (life expectancy). Figures are modelled estimates and are rounded.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die in Uganda every day?
In Uganda, about 849 people die every day, or roughly one death every 2 minutes. That adds up to about 310,000 deaths a year, 0.5% of all deaths worldwide.
What is the leading cause of death in Uganda?
HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in Uganda. It is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, and most deaths from it could be avoided with prevention and treatment. Counting single causes, WHO's estimates put HIV/AIDS first in 2023, with 7.9% of deaths.
What is the life expectancy in Uganda?
Life expectancy at birth in Uganda is 62.7 years, 10.1 years below the world average of 72.8. That ranks 163rd of 194 countries.
Is the death rate in Uganda high?
Uganda records about 6.4 deaths per 1,000 people each year, below the world average of 7.7. Crude death rates are higher in countries with older populations, so a high rate does not always mean poor health care.