The Economic Case for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in East Africa - Uganda Focus
Interactive Africa, Uganda City Map - 2025 Edition
Figure 1: Interactive Africa, Uganda City Map - 2025 Edition. Use Ctrl + scroll (or pinch to zoom) to zoom in and out of the map. Click a city bubble for more information.
This paper presents the top-line findings on Uganda, from Open for Business’ Economic Case for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in East Africa report.
Inclusive and diverse societies are better for business and economic growth. Our research shows that economically successful countries tend to be those with better records on LGBTQ+ rights. For example, analyses demonstrate correlations between LGBTQ+ rights in sub-Saharan Africa and:
Economic Growth (Gross Domestic Product)
Competitiveness (Global Competitiveness Index)
Innovation (Global Innovation Index)
Workforce Participation (World Bank Labor Force Participation Rate)
Furthermore, our research tells us that:
Every year, LGBTQ+ discrimination costs Uganda up to UGX 9.0 trillion (USD 2.4 billion), amounting to 5.2% of GDP. This paper presents some of the top-line findings, specifically on Uganda, from
Open for Business estimates that the cost of discrimination in Uganda due to to passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 represents a significant percentage of its GDP.
Open for Business Cities Rating Report shows Kampala as ‘not open for business’ with a rating of ‘E’.
Uganda has an opportunity to integrate LGBTQ+ inclusion as part of its broader development agenda.
