With only 10 days left before Uganda's National Population and Housing Census, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has begun the distribution of tablet computers that will be used to record data during the upcoming exercise. Over the weekend, UBOS dispatched the first consignment of 3,410 gadgets to various districts, including Gulu, Apac, Amolatar, Alebtong, and Otuke.
Mr. Chris Mukiza, the Executive Director of UBOS, flagged off the first batch in Kampala, stating that the devices are ready for use.
"We have already completed distribution in 71 districts, and as you can see, we have many staff who are working to ensure that every region is ready for enumeration," Mr. Mukiza said.
He explained that other districts will receive the tablets once the installation of required software is completed, including inserting SIM cards with Access Point Name (APN) and other necessary procedures. Each gadget will contain a census map for the given enumeration area.
Mr. Mukiza highlighted that while enumerator training begins immediately at the district level, there have been challenges with recruitment irregularities in some districts. He mentioned that there have been allegations of improper recruitment, with people who never underwent interviews being included in the enumerator teams.
"I commissioned the security forces to investigate throughout the districts. We are getting the culprits, and those wrongly included in the teams will be removed and replaced with qualified individuals," he said.
Hon. Amos Lugolobi, the State Minister for Planning, in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development confirmed that Uganda Bureau of Statistics has already secured all the 12,000 tablets required for the census. He emphasized that these tablets are equipped with sophisticated features, including durability, waterproofing, and the ability to withstand various conditions.
Furthermore, Hon. Lugolobi explained that after the census, these gadgets would be used for other government programs and activities, including elections, national identity card renewals by the National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA), and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
He assured the public that the census exercise was on track and urged leaders to mobilize people to actively participate. Mr. Lugolobi emphasized the importance of providing correct information to enumerators, assuring the public that their data would remain fully confidential and would not be released to any third parties, including tax authorities.
"The data collected will help the government in planning for the country in terms of service distribution in different communities," Mr. Amos Lugolobi concluded.
