Summary:
- Uganda is set to conduct its first paperless census in May 2024, utilizing handheld electronic devices, tablets, and geo-referenced mapping, with preliminary results expected in June and final results in December.
The upcoming May 2024 national census in Uganda marks a significant departure from traditional methods, as enumerators will no longer be equipped with files and pens. Instead, it will be the first paperless census in the country, utilizing handheld electronic devices or tablets in all districts. Dr. Chris Ndatira Mukiza, the Executive Director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), announced that the census will commence on the night of May 9, 2024.
This digital shift is part of Uganda’s broader decision to conduct the census digitally, with the government allocating over 137 billion shillings for the purchase of tablets. UBOS had already spent 11 billion shillings in the previous financial year for preparations, and despite a deficit of 13 billion, they hope to secure support from development partners.
Apart from employing tablets and computer-assisted devices, the census will also utilize geo-referenced mapping, covering nearly 90% of the country. Mukiza explained that the mapping process is now more precise, providing information about the location of mapped households rather than just boundaries.
Unlike previous censuses, the army, police, and prisons will use technology to conduct their enumeration for the institutional questionnaire. Mukiza emphasized that the census’s focus will include counting people and gathering information on education, health, employment, economic activity, and dwelling houses.
The census results are expected to provide crucial data, including the total population, population distribution by sex, age, tribe, and religion, as well as social and economic indicators. Preliminary results are anticipated to be released in June 2024, just one month after the census, with the final results scheduled for December 2024.
Minister of Information, National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi emphasized the importance of the census, comparing it to historical censuses mentioned in the Bible. Despite some concerns about the wording of the census schedule, UBOS has chosen the De facto method, enumerating individuals based on their actual location on the night of May 9, 2024.
Gift Marunga, representing the UNDP country Director, commended Uganda for its significant milestone in launching its first digital census, highlighting the government’s commitment to data and statistics for achieving long-term development goals. Marunga noted that opting for a digital census aligns with global trends, allowing for quicker production of preliminary results compared to traditional paper methods.
