Uganda kicks off census as the region faces population increase

Uganda began its 9th population census on Friday, following similar initiatives in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya over the past five years.

The region has witnessed population growth over the last decade, as indicated by recent censuses conducted across East Africa.

However, the census in Uganda faced initial hurdles, including faulty tablets, language barriers, public rejection, inclement weather, lack of identification, and complaints regarding delayed allowances. Despite these challenges, the 10-day, USh333 billion ($88 million) census showed minimal progress by Friday afternoon, despite the declaration of a public holiday.

Apologising for the delays, Alfred Geresom Musamali, the Publicity and Advocacy Advisor for the National Population and Housing Census 2024, cited technical glitches with the Computer Aided Personal Interview (CAPI) machines, used for the first time to collect data. Musamali assured the public that efforts were underway to address these challenges.

Dr Chris Mukiza, the executive director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos), revealed that 120,000 portable personal computers with touch screens, costing USh132 billion ($34 million), were procured through a Third-Party Procurement (TPP) arrangement with the United Nations.

Uganda conducts its census every 10 years, with the first being in 1911. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasised the importance of the exercise during the launch of the National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) 2024 at Kololo Independence Grounds.

The census aims to gather crucial data, including population demographics, housing conditions, and access to services. It will also evaluate the performance of the National Development Plan III (NDPIII) before the launch of a new development plan.

The data collected will assist the National Planning Authority (NPA) in developing models for development plans, identifying strategic priorities, and allocating resources effectively to alleviate poverty and promote socioeconomic development.

The census will focus on gathering information on demographic, social, and economic characteristics, labour market indicators, fertility rates, and household conditions. Ubos will employ the Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (Capi) system to ensure accurate data collection.

The enumeration will include all individuals present in Uganda on census night, May 9, regardless of nationality. Roadblocks were set up on major highways and border points to count individuals using public transportation and truck drivers crossing into the country.

The data collection process will span a minimum of 10 days, with enumerators visiting households to conduct interviews using pre-designed questionnaires. Census results are expected to be released on December 24, 2024.