By Richard Onapatum
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) has unveiled a detailed snapshot of the ongoing National Housing and Population Census, shedding light on both the successes and challenges faced across various districts. In a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, State Minister for Planning, Mr. Amos Lugoloobi, disclosed that while progress has been made with a 60.2 percent coverage of households since the census commenced on May 10, significant disparities exist among districts.
Ubos Executive Director, Dr. Chris Mukiza, revealed that several districts have exceeded expectations, with impressive household coverage rates exceeding 80 percent. Standout performers include Budaka, Zombo, and Butambala, showcasing efficient census execution and community cooperation.
However, the report also exposes shortcomings, with districts such as Mityana, Greater Mubende, and Abim lagging behind, each with household coverage below 50 percent. Abim, in particular, emerges as a concern, raising questions about logistical challenges and community engagement strategies in certain regions.
Dr. Mukiza acknowledged initial hiccups, especially in urban areas like the Kampala Metropolitan area, where enumerators faced difficulties accessing the system. Despite these setbacks, efforts were made to rectify issues, ensuring smoother operations moving forward.
To address concerns raised by census enumerators regarding allowances and technical glitches, Minister Lugoloobi assured that payments have been disbursed, alleviating some of the reported hardships. Additionally, training allowances for enumerators and supervisors have been processed, with further financial compensation to follow upon completion of the census on May 19.
The census, conducted under the theme “It Matters to be Counted,” serves as a critical tool for informed decision-making and resource allocation, underscoring the importance of accurate data collection across all districts. As the countdown to the census conclusion continues, stakeholders remain optimistic that all targeted populations will be accounted for, despite challenges encountered along the way.
Best Performing Districts:
– Budaka
– Zombo
– Butambala
– Manafwa
– Kibaale
– Agago
– Lubirizi
– Sheema
– Lamwo
– Mpigi
– Amuru
– Butaleja
– Bukwo
– Bugweri
– Iganga
– Kalangala
– Kaliro
– Masindi
– Moyo
– Tororo
– Amuru
– Nakasongola
– Rukungiri
– Kiboga
Lowest Performing Districts:
– Mityana
– Greater Mubende
– Kasanda
– Ssembabule
– Terego
– Obongi
– Abim
– Kaabong
– Napak
– Oyam
– Nwoya
