Dr. Chris Mukiza, the executive director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and Census Commissioner, has said that the Bureau received all the tablets that will be used in the National Housing and Population Census 2024.
He was Friday speaking at the closure of the training of trainers at Speke Resort in Munyonyo, Kampala.
The week-long training of Census Technical officers from Local Government and Cities ended with a call to all stakeholders to avoid diversionary and subversive tendencies that might hinder the success of the Census but rather embrace patriotism and work for the good of the country.
The participants included; Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prison Services, Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Makerere and Kyambogo Universities, Local Governments, Cities, Municipalities and UBOS staff District representatives, among others.
Dr Mukiza expressed confidence that the 789 trainees will cascade the training down to Sub-county supervisors who will then train others.
“The participants have been trained in the concepts, definitions and use of the tablets. We are confident that the knowledge imparted today is sufficient to enable them to train others,” he said, adding:
“From each district, we have four trainers. The training will start next week. They will be training trainers of census enumeration supervisors and enumerators.”
He also confirmed that the Bureau had already received the tablets that will be used in the census exercise.
“We have received all the tablets in the UBOS stores. So the word that the tablets did not reach in time is no more. We have started the process of uploading the software, questionnaires and the digital maps on the tablets,” he stated.
“We have received 120,000 tablets with their power banks. So that when the battery goes off, we can recharge the tablets. The tablets can work for over 8 hours.”
He said the Bureau will work around the clock to dispatch these tablets to the districts for use by enumerators.
On the issue of finances, Dr Mukiza said the Bureau received Shs320.8bn of the expected Shs 333.9bn which left them with a funding gap of 13bn.
“Of course, money has never been enough. You have heard those from the districts are clamouring for more resources. We are trying to cut our coat according to the size of our cloth. That’s why we are trying to become frugal and prudent with our budget,” he explained.
He, however, cited a challenge of 2% of villages which have not been listed across the country, especially in Karamoja Sub-Region and West Nile.
“In Kikuube, we cannot trace 150 villages. We are told these villages were evacuated but we are still investigating the matter. Generally, we are good to go.”
Director Rosette Nakavuma, who represented the State Minister of Finance (Planning) Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, expressed excitement upon the successful training and urged UBOS to expedite the address of the various issues raised during the training.
The Deputy Internal Security Organisation (ISO) director, Col Emmy Katabaazi, gave assurance that they have dedicated Security vehicles and motorcycles to be used during the Census exercise.
This is across all districts in Uganda, given the importance of the Census, and to waive car hire expenses.
The UBOS Board chairperson, Dr. Albert Byamugisha, mentioned that the training was essential in equipping all participants with technical knowledge on the use of digital Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) and also introducing them to the Census tools and questionnaires to ensure that enumeration runs smoothly.