The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has celebrated the release of the 2024 National Housing and Population Census final results within just four months, noting it as a new benchmark for efficiency.

According to Chris Mukiza, the UBOS Executive Director, the previous census exercises held would take at least two years to get final results; however, this has taken four months.

Mukiza was speaking at the dissemination of the National Population and Housing Census 2024 main report on October 3, 2024, at the Serena Hotel in Kampala.

“This digital census took four months and seven days. This is a record. I don’t know if anyone in Africa has this. Very soon they will come to benchmark on statistics here,” Mukiza said.

The latest main report showed that Uganda’s population now stands at 45, 905, 417, with females at 53% and males at 47%. 74% of the population are literate, while the fertility rate is 4.5% and life expectancy at birth is 68.5 years, compared to 63.3 years of the previous Census in 2014.

The UBOS ED Mukiza noted the number of those living in the capital city is 1.7 million.

“Of the eleven cities we have in Uganda, Kampala has the highest daytime population at 2,503,174. Those who stay in Kampala are about 1.7 million,” he said.

The report also revealed that, whereas 50% of the population are children, only 5% are older persons. Youth (18-30 years) are 23.5%, while those aged 31-59 years are 21.5%.

Gift Malunga, the Country Representative at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), appreciated the Bureau for embracing technology and innovations, which she said have accelerated the census process.

“Releasing the census results within just four months of the numeration exercise demonstrates your dedication and commitment to excellence. You have positioned UBOS as a model for other statistical entities on the continent, “Malunga said.

Dr. Albert Byamugisha, the UBOS Board Chairman, described the 2024 housing and population census as not only a key milestone for Uganda but a significant achievement with the national statistical system.

“By joining our East African neighbors, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda plus Burundi, in conducting a digital census, Uganda now has access to high-quality Geo-spatial data,” Byamugisha said.

Among government officials present were the Prime Minister Robina Nabbajja, who was the Guest of Honour, the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affair Oboth Oboth, the State Minister for Finance Amos Lugoloobi, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT, Dr. Amina Zawedde.