The President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri K. Museveni, has officially launched the first paperless census (digital census), where the enumerators will be able to use tablets to collect household data during the 2024 census.
This was during the official launch of the National Population and Housing Census 2024, under the theme ”It matters to be counted”, which took place at Kololo Independence grounds on December 12, 2023.
President Museveni emphasized the need to carry out an authentic census since it helps in the planning of Uganda.
“It makes it easier for the government to plan if there is a clear and accurate layout of data,” the president said.
“You can’t plan very well for people you don’t know. For instance, in the Parish Development Model, the parishes don’t have the same population. When the figures come in, it helps us plan very well; the purpose of counting is mainly planning,” he added.
He emphasized that data from the census further provides a clear understanding of how to create effective policies and ensure the fair distribution of resources.
President Museveni also said that he was happy with the population that is coming up since Africa, which used to have a smaller size than India, has now increased.
Dr. Chris Mukiza, the Executive Director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), confirmed the development of the paperless census, which will be used in the 11th census.
Mukiza said that they are working closely with United Nations systems on the census exercise, census data, and further projections.
According to the ED, the census will start on the 9th, leading to the 10th of May 2024, where all people and property within the bounds of Uganda will be counted.
“In June 2024, we shall give the country preliminary results,” Mukiza said.
Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, State Minister for Finance and Planning, said that the census gives a complete picture of the nation at a given time, such as the number of people living in a specific locality and the conditions under which they live.
Lugoolobi called upon the media fraternity to look for facts and updates accurately without distorting or using the wrong information. He encouraged them to always check the UBOS websites for more information.
According to the UBOS website, Uganda’s population was 34.6 million (2014 Census), with a projection of reaching 45.5 million (mid-year 2023). Statistics also show that of the total population, 48.79% are male and 51.21% are female.
Uganda has a total area of 241,555 square kilometers.
