In 1992, for example, Uganda received less than half its 1989 earnings for nearly the same volume of coffee exports. Government is now advocating diversification into other non-traditional export crops. Uganda's economy reflects the recent history of instability and political mismanagement in the country. This started to decline soon after 1971, and between 1977 and 1980, it dropped by 18.8 per cent. Nevertheless, since 1986 GDP has grown at over 5 per cent per annum leading to about 2.7 per cent annual growth per capita.
Government operations remain highly dependent on external support.
Note that GNP per capita is just an average. It does not show the uneven distribution of income. Uganda has passed through turbulent political history since it became independent in 1962. There have been seven changes of Government since independence. Uganda's political development has been characterized by instability which is partly attributed to ethnic and religious differences.