Uganda Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1961–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$1.2 billion
Ranked #79 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.9%
Ranked #80 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.8%
From $1.1B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$1.2 billion
Reached in 2021
Uganda Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Uganda is estimated to have spent $1.2 billion on military and defense, representing 1.9% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Uganda is the #79 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.8%, from $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 4.1% in 1972. The historical average military budget is 1.9% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2023 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2023 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(estimate) | 1.85% | $1,155M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.85% | $1,123M |
| 2024 | 1.88% | $1,090M |
| 2023 | 1.81% | $977M |
| 2022 | 1.85% | $966M |
| 2021 | 2.34% | $1,155M |
| 2020 | 2.47% | $1,135M |
| 2019 | 1.72% | $769M |
| 2018 | 1.15% | $502M |
| 2017 | 1.04% | $424M |
| 2016 | 1.00% | $388M |
| 2015 | 0.99% | $373M |
| 2014 | 0.92% | $336M |
| 2013 | 0.94% | $318M |
| 2012 | 1.18% | $379M |
| 2011 | 2.54% | $741M |
| 2010 | 2.46% | $748M |
| 2009 | 1.43% | $350M |
| 2008 | 1.35% | $356M |
| 2007 | 1.39% | $323M |