President Yoweri Museveni is set to announce the initial findings of the 2024 National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) on Thursday. The census, which commenced on May 10, was originally scheduled to end on May 19. However, various challenges, including technical issues with the data collection devices, necessitated an extension until May 25.
Didacus Okoth, the spokesperson for the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), confirmed that preparations for the release of the preliminary data are complete. "We are ready to present the preliminary results as planned in the census roadmap launched by His Excellency the President on December 13, 2023. The President will reveal the initial findings of the survey this Thursday," Okoth said in a recent interview.
Despite the preparations, there are concerns about the accuracy of the results. Some Ugandans have reported that they were not counted during the census. This uncertainty raises questions about whether the preliminary results will accurately represent Uganda’s population.
Uganda conducts a national population and housing census every decade. Government officials emphasize that the data gathered through these censuses is crucial for effective planning, policy formulation, and the implementation and monitoring of development programs aligned with national goals and objectives.
At the launch of the census last year, President Museveni urged Ugandans to participate actively in the exercise, highlighting its importance for better national planning. "These questions are essential for the government to plan more effectively for the population. You cannot plan properly for people whose details you do not know," President Museveni stated.
This census is notable for being Uganda's first digital census. According to UBOS, the digital approach allowed for real-time tallying of results. Officials at the headquarters could track daily enrollment figures, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the data collection process.
The upcoming announcement of the preliminary census results will provide a snapshot of Uganda’s current demographic situation. However, the true extent of the population and housing data will only be confirmed with the release of the final results. The government and various stakeholders are keenly awaiting these findings to ensure they have an accurate foundation for future planning and development.
As the country anticipates the preliminary results, the focus will remain on how accurately they reflect the population and whether any discrepancies reported by the public are addressed. The outcomes of this census are expected to play a vital role in shaping Uganda’s policies and strategies for the coming decade, ensuring that development plans are based on comprehensive and accurate demographic information.
