Abstract: This paper is based on the study results of two projects: "Rural-Urban Fertility, Differentials in Uganda: The Role of Proximate Determinants" (Nuwagaba, 1993) and "Household Formation Patterns in Uganda" (Nuwagaba, 1994)1. Information was collected form rural and urban households in Mpigi and Kampala districts respectively. The important thread that runs throughout the paper provides a better understanding of the reasons for the persistent high fertility in sub-Saharan Africa contrary to the theory of demographic transition. The analytical framework is illustrated with Uganda data. It is proposed that fertility level in sub-Saharan Africa is a function of the African political economy and changes in fertility levels will have to be preceded by socio-economic progress in real terms.