Uganda Embarks on Nationwide Census to Inform Policy and Development

In an effort to gather crucial demographic data to guide policy formulation and development initiatives, Uganda has launched its nationwide census. The comprehensive survey aims to capture essential information about the country's population, including demographic composition, economic activities, housing conditions, and migration patterns. Led by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the census will employ advanced methodologies and technologies to ensure accurate and reliable data collection. Trained enumerators will traverse the length and breadth of the country, reaching even the most remote communities to ensure inclusivity.

The census holds significant importance for Uganda's future planning and resource allocation. By providing up-to-date and detailed information, policymakers will be better equipped to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the nation. Moreover, the census will play a crucial role in monitoring progress towards national development goals, including poverty reduction, healthcare provision, education access, and gender equality.Title: Uganda Embarks on Nationwide Census to Inform Policy and Development Citizens are encouraged to participate fully and truthfully in the census, as their cooperation is vital in shaping Uganda's future. With their active involvement, Uganda can build a stronger, more resilient society that leaves no one behind. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has officially confirmed the completion of all preparations for the census, scheduled to commence friday night. Deputy Finance Minister Amosi Lugoloobi made this announcement at the Ministry's headquarters in Kampala. Lugoloobi stated that the census will begin tomorrow night, emphasizing that household questions will primarily be answered by men or owners, with women also welcome to respond. He clarified that the census aims to understand Uganda's true population, not to assess income. The Minister urged Ugandans to stay at home during the census period, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of nationality, will be counted. UBOS workers will not visit homes at night, and Lugoloobi warned against imposters soliciting money. UBOS employees conducting the count will be identifiable by their attire. The Census Commissioner Dr.Chris Mukiza addressed the inclusion of people with disabilities in the census process, trained enumerators been prepared not to leave any category of people uncounted. Uganda is geographically divided into four regions: Central (Buganda), South, East, and North, comprising 145 districts with 322 provinces, 39 municipalities, and 1,488 sub-counties. Dr. A.S. Abdul Busulwa and Martin Ssenoga elaborated on the inclusion of various disabled individuals in the census.

The history of census-taking in Uganda dates back to the colonial era. Here's a brief overview: 1. Pre-Colonial Era: Before the arrival of European colonizers, traditional African societies often had their own methods of population counting, though these were not formal censuses in the modern sense. Population estimates were typically based on various indicators such as household size, livestock ownership, and land use. 2. Colonial Period: The first modern census in Uganda was conducted during the colonial period by the British administration. The first official census took place in 1911, followed by subsequent ones in 1921, 1931, and so forth. These censuses were primarily aimed at gathering demographic data to aid in colonial governance, including taxation, labor allocation, and resource distribution. 3. Post-Independence: Uganda gained independence from Britain in 1962. Following independence, the responsibility for conducting censuses fell to the newly established Ugandan government. The first post-independence census was conducted in 1969. Subsequent censuses were carried out roughly every ten years. 4. Civil Unrest and Disruptions: Uganda experienced periods of civil unrest and political instability, particularly during the regimes of Idi Amin (1971–1979) and Milton Obote (1962–1971, 1980–1985). These turbulent times sometimes disrupted census operations and data collection efforts. 5. Recent Censuses: In recent decades, Uganda has continued to conduct national censuses at regular intervals. The most recent census prior to 2024 was likely conducted around 2014. These censuses provide crucial data for planning, policy-making, and resource allocation in various sectors including health, education, and infrastructure. 6. Challenges and Improvements: Like many countries, Uganda faces challenges in conducting accurate censuses, including reaching remote populations, ensuring participation, and maintaining data quality. Efforts have been made to address these challenges through improved methodologies, technology adoption, and increased public awareness. Overall, the history of census-taking in Uganda reflects its evolution from colonial-era tools of governance to modern instruments for national planning and development. Amos Lugoloobi, the Minister of State for Finance and Economic Planning, has outlined specific guidelines for the upcoming census in Uganda. He clarified that individuals actively engaged in duties such as police, traffic officers, doctors, and professors will be classified as the "on duty" population, while street children, wandering individuals, and truck drivers without fixed addresses will be considered part of the "floating population." To ensure an accurate count, these distinct groups will be enumerated separately at different roadblocks to prevent confusion and ensure participation. Additionally, Lugoloobi emphasized that females aged 15-19 will be asked specific questions regarding sexual and reproductive health. Enumerators will be instructed to mark each completed household by making a notation on the doorpost. It was emphasized by both Lugoloobi and the Census Commissioner, Dr. Chris Bakiza, that providing false information during the census is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for up to six months. Dr. Chris Bakiza further elaborated on the census process, mentioning that institutional questionnaires will be used in hospitals, barracks, prisons, universities, and other institutions. Enumerators will be compensated with a daily rate of UGX 50,000, totaling UGX 500,000 for ten days of work. They will be provided with distinctive attire to differentiate them from impostors. Supervisors will receive a daily rate of UGX 60,000. Regarding the enumeration of the military, Dr. Chris Bakiza explained that approximately 500 enumerators who are not civilians have been assigned to barracks and other military installations for this purpose.In a nutshell, the commissioner informed the press that a number of 119,000 enumerators have been deployed and the cost of training has incured to ugx 1B.