The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) says it is about 86 percent ready to conduct the upcoming National Housing and Population Census 2024.
This was revealed by the UBOS Executive Director/Census Commissioner, Dr Chris Mukiza, while meeting the Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga on Tuesday at Bulange in Mengo.
“We are now 86 percent ready,” said Dr Mukiza who led the UBOS management team to meet members of Buganda Kingdom’s administration.
He added: “We are remaining with only one month. So, what’s remaining is training the people who will count us.”
According to Dr Mukiza, the exercise is not just about counting people. He said the Bureau has formulated a questionnaire which will be used to get all the information that is possibly accessible.
“Some people like calling it “counting people” but it is more than that. The census will be about five things: to know how many people are in the country, where those people are (spatial distribution), their living conditions, what they own or assets they have and to know where they access services from and the distance to the service points.
“This matters and it will help you (Buganda) to plan for your people. Schools, hospitals, roads and how good they are and so forth. And we are looking forward to you taking your role as Buganda kingdom,” he noted.
“I thank him for accepting to be the Buganda Census Champion,” Dr Mukiza later said on X, adding: “I also delivered a humble contribution of five million shillings on behalf of UBOS towards the annual Kabaka Birthday Run which aims at the fight against HIV/AIDS. I appreciate the warm reception from the Katikiro. Thank you for the hospitality.”
In response, Premier Mayiga thanked the UBOS management for the continuous efforts in ensuring the nation is fed by relevant statistics as well as effective collaboration that led to the publication of the Buganda Statistics maiden report titled, “Manya E Ssaza lyo”.
While urging the subjects to get counted, Mayiga assured them that the National Census is neither a political activity nor an activity of collecting tax.
“This is not about collecting taxes. That is the biggest fear the ordinary people have that when they get counted they will be asked to pay taxes,” he stated, adding:
“It is an activity where data is collected for the benefit and development of our country. I urge people to be counted. The government needs to know where the schools are, where the hospitals and the distances to access them.”
As a show of example, Mayiga accepted the nomination to become a census champion, saying he will also be counted on 10th May 2024.
“I also take this singular honour to accept the nomination of being the Buganda Kingdom National Census champion. I will be counted probably before cameras to assure you,” he noted.
Mayiga assured Dr Mukiza and his team that the news of the national census was well received by the Kingdom.
“I will relay the information to the Kabaka and particularly request him to be counted. And we will do everything to support this initiative because it is important to the country.”
He further thanked Dr Mukiza for making a contribution of Shs5m towards the Kabaka Birthday Run 2024.
“I thank you for buying the Kabaka’s birthday run kits worth Shs5m. The run is geared towards eliminating HIV/AIDS. Everyone is affected, maybe your family members, friends or relatives. We have all lost loved ones. So, it should be a concerted effort.”