The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, has authored a pastoral letter to all its bishops and all church leaders in Uganda to use all platforms and networks available to popularize and spread awareness about the Uganda National Population Census.

In the letter, the Archbishop urges leaders to encourage fellow Christians and neighbors to participate fully and accurately, as their responses will collectively go towards shaping the future of the country.

“I am writing to inform you about the important event that will be taking place in our country in the coming month. The national census is scheduled to occur on the nights of May 9 and 10, 2024. It is crucial for all members of our community to participate,” the letter reads in part.

Mugalu noted that, as leaders within the Anglican and Christian communities, their role is to mobilize and inform their congregations about the importance of the census.

“The data collected during the exercise will provide valuable insights into various demographic and social aspects of the nation. This will in turn help in policy-making and resource allocation.

He further called upon the church leaders to emphasize to the Christians and neighbors the importance of indicating their religious afflictions accurately during the census.

“This will ensure that religious diversity within our nation is correctly represented and that resources can be allocated appropriately to support various communities,” the Archbishop said.

Uganda’s national census is set for May 9, 2024, and will be carried out by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. This crucial national exercise happens once every ten years and plays a vital role in shaping Uganda’s future.

The data collected helps the government understand the population’s characteristics, needs, and trends. This information is then used to effectively allocate resources and plan for essential services like health care and education, among others, ultimately improving the lives of Ugandans.