By Richard Onapatum
In a move to ensure widespread citizen involvement in the sixth National Housing and Population Census, the government has officially declared Friday, May 10, a public holiday.
Chairperson of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Albert Byamugisha, confirmed this decision at a press briefing held at Naguru Police headquarters.
“The public is urged to remain at home during the census period and extend full cooperation to enumerators to facilitate accurate and comprehensive data collection,” emphasized Byamugisha.
Scheduled from May 9 to May 19, 2024, Uganda’s National Population and Housing Census is a pivotal event, with the reference night set for May 9. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni inaugurated the NPHC 2024 activities on December 12, 2023.
Underscoring the significance of census figures, Byamugisha highlighted their crucial role in guiding national planning, policy formulation, program implementation, and development monitoring aligned with Uganda’s overarching goals and objectives.
Employing digital technology for data collection, processing, and dissemination, the census aims to furnish the Uganda Bureau of Statistics with precise and timely demographic, social, and economic statistics.
Outlined within the Census Implementation Plan are various phases and activities, including stakeholder consultations, instrument development, mapping of enumeration areas (especially in 11 cities), gazetting of the NPHC 2024, publicity and advocacy efforts, and the procurement and deployment of ICT and other necessary equipment.