The Impact of Population Growth on Economic Growth in Uganda

Abstract

The major objective of this study was to find out the impact of population growth on economic growth in Uganda. The study also had specific objectives which included: To investigate the causal relationship between population growth and economic growth in Uganda and to determine whether long run relationship exists between population growth and economic growth in Uganda. The researcher used descriptive research design which is a process of collecting data in order to test hypothesis to answer questions concerning the current status of the subject under study. Results were presented through simple statistics, tables, percentages and frequency distributions (Mugenda and Mugenda, 2003). Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to carry out the study on the impact of population growth on economic growth. Results indicated that there was no causality between population growth and economic growth in the country. Through the use of Vector Auto regression Approach (VAR) the results indicated that population growth and economic growth are both positively correlated and an increase in population will impact positively to the economic growth in the country both in the short run and also in the long run. The study recommended that the government should put measures to ensure that the economy grows at a higher rate than the population growth. This would ensure that the increasing demand of services arising from the population growth is met. There is also need for the government to change the education system to ensure that new training methods, which develop existing skills and create skills where they do not exist are implemented. In that respect, the role of good governance in providing job opportunities need not to be emphasized