The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Government of Uganda and Kyambogo University today held a national launch of the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR), titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI” at Kyambogo University. The report delivers a sobering global message: after decades of steady gains, human development progress is slowing, and the world is at risk of a development crisis unless decisive action is taken.
Since 1990, UNDP through its flagship Human Development Report (HDR) has challenged conventional thinking about progress by putting people—not economic growth—at the center of development. The 2025 HDR continues this tradition by examining how AI can be shaped to advance rather than undermine human development.
“The 2025 Human Development Report underscores the critical importance of strategic decision-making for Uganda to harness the transformative potential of AI,” said UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor during the launch. “In alignment with this vision, UNDP remains steadfast in it’s commitment to working alongside stakeholders to support the Government of Uganda in creating an enabling environment for responsible and inclusive AI adoption.”
Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor added “Human development is not predetermined – it is a matter of choice. Let us join forces to shape an inclusive, digital, and AI-powered future that leaves no Ugandan behind.”
Uganda’s HDI shows long-term gains, though inequality persists
Uganda’s Human Development Index (HDI) value stands at 0.582, placing the country in the medium human development category and ranking it 157 out of 193 countries and territories. Since 1990, Uganda has made significant progress with a 70.2% increase in HDI, driven by improvements in life expectancy (up by 20.7 years), expected years of schooling (up by 5.8 years), and GNI per capita (up by 158%).
However, inequality remains a persistent challenge. When adjusted for inequality, Uganda’s HDI drops to 0.400, reflecting a 31.3% loss due to disparities in health, education, and income – slightly higher than the Sub-Saharan average but significantly lower than the global average.
AI: A game-changer, though only if Uganda chooses wisely
The 2025 HDR emphasizes that artificial intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential for human development, though its benefits are not guaranteed. The report cautions that without strategic choices and investment in human capability, AI could deepen inequality. For countries like Uganda, this represents both a risk and an opportunity. AI solutions must be tailored to Uganda’s specific needs. This includes integrating local languages, embracing cultural diversity, and focusing on augmenting jobs rather than replacing them to boost productivity.
Gender gaps and environmental sustainability highlighted
The report reveals stark gender disparities. Uganda’s Gender Development Index (GDI) is 0.908, with female HDI (0.556) trailing behind male HDI (0.612). The Gender Inequality Index (GII) ranks Uganda 141 out of 172 countries, pointing to persistent inequality in education, labour force participation, and political representation.
On the environmental front, Uganda’s Planetary Pressures–Adjusted HDI is 0.569, only slightly lower than its HDI. This relatively small adjustment (2.2%) suggests that Uganda exerts less pressure on the planet than the average Sub-Saharan country, underscoring opportunities for sustainable development.
The report findings point to the need for Uganda to focus on:
- Building a complementarity economy: Positioning AI as a tool to enhance – not replace – human work.
- Driving innovation with intent: Ensuring AI serves public good by embedding equity and inclusion in its development.
- Investing in capabilities that count: Strengthening education, digital literacy, and access to AI tools.
With a youthful tech-savvy population, ongoing digital expansion, and a strategic Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV), Uganda is well-positioned to harness AI to accelerate development, withsuccess dependent on making the right choices today.
The 2025 Human Development Report is available at https://hdr.undp.org/humandevelopment–report–2025.
