Uganda has been more effective in impressing donors than Kenya in recent years, according to a report in this week’s East African. Uganda has been the key player in the Amisom African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, whereas Kenya has avoided any military activity until its quite recent ventures into Somalia in an attempt to beat back Al Shabaab militants. Consequently Uganda has been able to convey the impression of community mindedness and military strength.
Over a period of many years Uganda has been aggressive in promoting its campaigns against HIV/AIDS. Uganda has had a consistent leadership, so that it has been easier for that country to maintain a “coherent foreign policy narrative”, whereas Kenya has had a more divided leadership, resulting in a less impressive foreign policy profile. However, more recently Uganda’s international reputation has been diminishing as a result of political struggles.
Uganda has a greater reliance on foreign aid than Kenya, with almost a third of Uganda’s budget being funded by foreign aid. Kenya is also a wealthier country, with a 2011 GDP per capita of $1700 calculated on a purchasing power parity basis, with 75% of the workforce being employed in the agricultural sector. Uganda had a 2011 GDP per capita of $1300, with 82% of the workforce being employed in the agricultural sector.