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Photo: Rod Waddington from Kergunyah, Australia · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale

Governance & Institutions

141st

of 194 countries placed

Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics

01The evidence

The 4 key statistics that decide it

Only these place Uganda on governance & institutions — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.

Why these keys
  1. Key 1 of 4

    Government Effectiveness

    World Bank Group

    Why it is a key

    2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0

    -0.311

    Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)

    Higher is better

    Uganda: -0.311. Across the 209 countries in this edition, values run from -2.251 (South Sudan) to 2.092 (Singapore); the world median is 0.101.

    World median
    0.101
    Best in Eastern Africa
    0.86 Mauritius
    Land neighbours
    DR Congo -1.675 · Kenya -0.089 · Rwanda 0.361 · South Sudan -2.251 · Tanzania -0.255
  2. Key 2 of 4

    Statistical Performance Indicators

    World Bank Group

    Why it is a key

    2024 edition · data for 2024 · CC BY 4.0

    68.7

    SPI overall score (0–100)

    Higher is better

    Uganda: 68.7. Across the 188 countries in this edition, values run from 27.12 (South Sudan) to 94.14 (Norway); the world median is 69.3.

    World median
    69.3
    Best in Eastern Africa
    80.44 Mauritius
    Land neighbours
    DR Congo 46.28 · Kenya 73.36 · Rwanda 72.6 · South Sudan 27.12 · Tanzania 68.22
  3. Key 3 of 4

    Corruption Perceptions Index

    Transparency International

    Why it is a key

    2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0 (the data), CC BY-ND 4.0 (the website and report)

    25

    CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)

    Higher is better

    Ranked 148th of 181 by Transparency International

    Uganda: 25. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 9 (Somalia) to 89 (Denmark); the world median is 39.

    World median
    39
    Best in Eastern Africa
    68 Seychelles
    Land neighbours
    DR Congo 20 · Kenya 30 · Rwanda 58 · South Sudan 9 · Tanzania 40
  4. Key 4 of 4

    Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index

    V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg

    Why it is a key

    2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY-SA 4.0

    0.261

    Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)

    Higher is better

    Uganda: 0.261. Across the 176 countries in this edition, values run from 0.003 (Nicaragua) to 0.988 (Australia); the world median is 0.676.

    World median
    0.676
    Best in Eastern Africa
    0.959 Seychelles
    Land neighbours
    DR Congo 0.146 · Kenya 0.788 · Rwanda 0.167 · South Sudan 0.157 · Tanzania 0.722

03In context

Uganda beside its neighbours

A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 194 countries on governance & institutions, never a place within the region.

Eastern Africa
1st194thNot placed · 30 countries with too few key statisticsNo data

The whole world on governance & institutions

Uganda and the countries it borders

Standing among all 194; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.

CountryStandingGovernment EffectivenessGovernance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)Statistical Performance IndicatorsSPI overall score (0–100)Corruption Perceptions IndexCPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)Judicial Constraints on the Executive IndexJudicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Rwanda81st0.36172.6580.167
Tanzania95th-0.25568.22400.722
Kenyacompare=96th-0.08973.36300.788
Uganda141st-0.31168.7250.261
DR Congo182nd-1.67546.28200.146
South Sudan190th-2.25127.1290.157

“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is

04Context, no vote

Where Uganda is ahead of the world, and behind

37 more statistics filed under governance & institutions, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.

Every country

Ahead of the world median4

Statistics on which Uganda does better than the middle country measured.

  • Country Policy and Institutional AssessmentWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3.2463.467▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: 3.467 · world median 3.246 · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 1.617 to 4.225; higher is better.

    Position 23rd of 78 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • GovTech Maturity IndexWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 0.630.792▼ Worsened since 2022

    Uganda: 0.792 · world median 0.63 · GTMI score (0–1). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.01 to 0.997; higher is better.

    Position 64th of 196 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Global Indicators of Regulatory Governance ScoreWorld Bank Group · 2018 · world median 2.253.25No earlier reading

    Uganda: 3.25 · world median 2.25 · Regulatory governance score (0–5, where 5 is the most transparent rule-making). World Bank Group, 2018 edition, data for 2018.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 5; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2018 dataset

  • External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)World Bank Group · 2024 · world median 43.9439.22▼ Worsened since 2014

    Uganda: 39.22 · world median 43.94 · External debt stocks (% of GNI). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 2.213 to 350.57; lower is better.

    Position 64th of 110 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

Behind the world median27

Statistics on which Uganda does worse than the middle country measured.

  • Women, Business and the LawWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 81.2580.63▲ Improved since 2015

    Uganda: 80.63 · world median 81.25 · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 3.125 to 100; higher is better.

    Position 100th of 190 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2026 dataset

  • State Capacity IndexJonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School) · 2015 · world median 0.4870.369No real change since 2005

    Uganda: 0.369 · world median 0.487 · Latent estimate of state capacity (≈ −2.3 to +3.0, centred near 0); higher = a more capable state. Jonathan K. Hanson (University of Michigan) and Rachel Sigman (Naval Postgraduate School), 2015 edition, data for 2015.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.096 to 2.697; higher is better.

    Position 91st of 166 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2015 dataset

  • Debt Service on External DebtWorld Bank Group · 2024 · world median 12.9313.94▼ Worsened since 2014

    Uganda: 13.94 · world median 12.93 · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income). World Bank Group, 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.285 to 96.2; lower is better.

    Position 49th of 109 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Rigorous and Impartial Public AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.3330.084▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: 0.084 · world median 0.333 · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.6 to +4.0); higher = a more rigorous and impartial administration. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -3.552 to 3.99; higher is better.

    Position 102nd of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Government AI Readiness IndexOxford Insights · 2025 · world median 40.1935.76▲ Improved since 2020

    Uganda: 35.76 · world median 40.19 · AI readiness score (0–100). Oxford Insights, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 12.12 to 88.36; higher is better.

    Ranked 113th of 195 by Oxford Insights.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • State Authority over TerritoryV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 95.394.29▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: 94.29 · world median 95.3 · Territory under effective state control (% of official territory). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 47.56 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • State Fiscal Source of RevenueV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 1.1790.761▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: 0.761 · world median 1.179 · Original latent estimate (≈ −2.9 to +3.1); higher = broader taxation. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -1.716 to 3.135; higher is better.

    Position 110th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Meritocratic Appointment in the State AdministrationV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.309-0.098▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: -0.098 · world median 0.309 · Original latent estimate (≈ −2.9 to +3.6); higher = more appointments on merit. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.442 to 3.584; higher is better.

    Position 111th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Liberal Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.3530.165▲ Improved since 2015

    Uganda: 0.165 · world median 0.353 · Liberal democracy index (0–1). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.009 to 0.884; higher is better.

    Position 118th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Regulatory QualityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.093-0.593▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: -0.593 · world median -0.093 · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.106 to 2.113; higher is better.

    Position 146th of 209 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Rule of LawWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.102-0.67▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: -0.67 · world median -0.102 · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.199 to 2.012; higher is better.

    Position 151st of 211 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Trade Union DensityILO · 2020 · world median 16.6810.26No earlier reading

    Uganda: 10.26 · world median 16.68 · Employees who are trade union members (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2020 edition, data for 2020.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.2 to 91.42; higher is better.

    Position 101st of 139 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2020 dataset

  • V-Dem Electoral Democracy IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.4970.253▲ Improved since 2015

    Uganda: 0.253 · world median 0.497 · Electoral democracy index (0–1). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.016 to 0.913; higher is better.

    Position 130th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Voice and AccountabilityWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.022-1.009▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: -1.009 · world median -0.022 · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.348 to 1.825; higher is better.

    Position 153rd of 206 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Civic Space RatingsCIVICUS · 2025 · world median 50.4627.97No earlier reading

    Uganda: 27.97 · world median 50.46 · Civic space score (0–100). CIVICUS, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 2.17 to 100; higher is better.

    Position 149th of 198 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Neopatrimonial Rule IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.4450.768▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: 0.768 · world median 0.445 · Neopatrimonial rule index (0–1; higher = more personalised rule). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.008 to 0.989; lower is better.

    Position 44th of 176 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Old-Age Pension CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 80.818.3No earlier reading

    Uganda: 18.3 · world median 80.8 · People above statutory pensionable age receiving an old-age pension (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Bribery IncidenceWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 7.26920.45No earlier reading

    Uganda: 20.45 · world median 7.269 · Firms asked for a bribe at least once in six dealings with officials (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 64.26; lower is better.

    Position 37th of 175 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2026 dataset

  • Equal Protection IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.6510.267▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: 0.267 · world median 0.651 · Equal protection index (0–1); higher = rights and freedoms protected more equally across social groups and classes. V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.027 to 0.986; higher is better.

    Position 149th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Control of CorruptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median -0.197-1.105No real change since 2015

    Uganda: -1.105 · world median -0.197 · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from -2.096 to 2.259; higher is better.

    Position 181st of 211 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Agriculture Orientation IndexFAO · 2024 · world median 0.3050.11▼ Worsened since 2014

    Uganda: 0.11 · world median 0.305 · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.03 to 5.38; higher is better.

    Position 113th of 132 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · 2024 · world median 0.3870.255No real change since 2014

    Uganda: 0.255 · world median 0.387 · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready). Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame, 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.137 to 0.749; higher is better.

    Ranked 173rd of 192 by Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Foundational ID OwnershipWorld Bank Group (ID4D) · 2024 · world median 94.466.94▼ Worsened since 2017

    Uganda: 66.94 · world median 94.4 · Adults who own a foundational ID (% of population aged 15+). World Bank Group (ID4D), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 42.62 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Political Corruption IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.5180.889▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: 0.889 · world median 0.518 · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.004 to 0.968; lower is better.

    Position 12th of 176 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Completeness of Birth RegistrationUNICEF · 2025 · world median 98.432.2No earlier reading

    Uganda: 32.2 · world median 98.4 · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%). UNICEF, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 2.7 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Firms Expecting to Make Informal Payments to Public OfficialsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 6.40340.29No earlier reading

    Uganda: 40.29 · world median 6.403 · Firms saying firms like theirs pay officials informally to get things done (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 55.03; lower is better.

    Position 7th of 178 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2026 dataset

  • Social Protection CoverageILO · 2025 · world median 52.13.1No earlier reading

    Uganda: 3.1 · world median 52.1 · Population covered by at least one social protection benefit (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

Level with the median, or no median to compare1

  • Open Data InventoryOpen Data Watch · 2024 · world median 5959▼ Worsened since 2015

    Uganda: 59 · world median 59 · ODIN overall score (0–100). Open Data Watch, 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 19 to 90; higher is better.

    Ranked 82nd of 168 by Open Data Watch.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

No better end5

These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.

  • Central Bank Independence IndexAna Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · 2023 · world median 0.6080.578Moved since 2013

    Uganda: 0.578 · world median 0.608 · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence). Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex, 2023 edition, data for 2023.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.006 to 0.974.

    Chart and every countryThe 2023 dataset

  • General Government ConsumptionWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 16.2111.67Moved since 2015

    Uganda: 11.67 · world median 16.21 · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 5.445 to 38.94.

    Position 100th of 132 · derived, counted from the highest value.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Senior Management Time Spent on Government RegulationWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 6.7953.481No earlier reading

    Uganda: 3.481 · world median 6.795 · Senior management time spent dealing with government regulation (% of a typical week). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.025 to 31.33.

    Chart and every countryThe 2026 dataset

  • Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 15.013.372No earlier reading

    Uganda: 3.372 · world median 15.01 · Public sector employment (% of total employment). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.

    Published values in that edition run from 1.672 to 47.1.

    Position 123rd of 135 · derived, counted from the highest value.

    Chart and every countryThe 2022 dataset

  • Public Sector Wage BillWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 7.9753.495Moved since 2012

    Uganda: 3.495 · world median 7.975 · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.977 to 42.65.

    Position 155th of 168 · derived, counted from the highest value.

    Chart and every countryThe 2022 dataset

“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing

06The top of the list

Who leads on governance & institutions

The three countries placed highest of 194, and the leaders Uganda can most readily be measured against.

All 194 countries
  1. 1

    Denmark

    Northern Europe

    1st of 194 · 4 of 4 keys

    Photo: User:Aconcagua · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale

  2. 2

    New Zealand

    Australia and New Zealand

    2nd of 194 · 4 of 4 keys

    Photo: Karora derivative work: Inkey · Public domain, greyscale

  3. 3

    Sweden

    Northern Europe

    3rd of 194 · 4 of 4 keys

    Photo: User:Pieter Kuiper · Public domain, greyscale

Placed highest nearby

  1. Highest in Africa

    Seychelles38th4/4 keys
  2. This page

    Uganda141st4/4 keys

Positions out of 194 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.

08Questions

Uganda on governance & institutions: questions answered

Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.

How does Uganda rank on governance & institutions?

Uganda is placed 141st of 194 countries on Governance & Institutions in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (Government Effectiveness, Statistical Performance Indicators, Corruption Perceptions Index and Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.

What is the latest Government Effectiveness figure for Uganda?

-0.311 in 2025 (governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 0.101.

What is the latest Statistical Performance Indicators figure for Uganda?

68.7 in 2024 (sPI overall score (0–100)), according to World Bank Group. The world median in the same edition was 69.3.

How does Uganda compare with DR Congo on governance & institutions?

DR Congo is placed 182nd of 194, and Uganda 141st. Government Effectiveness: DR Congo -1.675, Uganda -0.311; Statistical Performance Indicators: DR Congo 46.28, Uganda 68.7; Corruption Perceptions Index: DR Congo 20, Uganda 25; Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index: DR Congo 0.146, Uganda 0.261.

How have Uganda’s governance & institutions figures changed?

Government Effectiveness rose from -0.64 in 2000 to -0.311 in 2025; Statistical Performance Indicators rose from 63.93 in 2016 to 68.7 in 2024; Corruption Perceptions Index fell from 29 in 2012 to 25 in 2025; Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index fell from 0.328 in 2000 to 0.261 in 2025.

Which governance & institutions statistics are missing for Uganda?

No current reading is published for Uganda on Business Ready: Operational Efficiency, Business Ready: Public Services, Business Ready: Regulatory Framework, Child and Family Benefit Coverage, Disability Benefit Coverage, Government Funding per Primary Student, Government Spending on Education and Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed Persons. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.

09Method

Method, sources and how to cite

What this topic does not measure

Governance is not democracy. Free elections, civil liberties and press freedom belong to the Democracy & Civil Liberties topic, and a country can place well on one and poorly on the other. How openly official data is published sits here as context, beside the statistical capacity that is a key. Nor does this topic measure the size of government or how much it spends — the share of the economy run by the state is published on this page as context, with no better end.

About governance & institutions, in full

How the Governance & Institutions standing is decided

A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.

The governance & institutions method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built

The key statistics and their licences

The other 37 statistics on this page come from 12 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.

The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Photographs

Uganda’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.

Cite this page

Nations Inquiry (2026). Uganda: Governance & Institutions — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/uganda/governance

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