The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has declared that Ugandans living abroad will not be part of the upcoming national census, citing logistical difficulties within the current budget framework.
Executive Director of UBOS, Dr. Chris Mukiza, emphasized the impracticality of including the diaspora community in the census, despite requests from the group to be involved.
Mukiza stated, “We shall have information about Ugandans in the diaspora but in the total count, they will not take part.” This decision underscores the bureau’s budgetary constraints and operational limitations.
However, Mukiza clarified that Ugandans who remain within the country’s borders by midnight on May 9 will participate in the census scheduled for May 10. In a bid to ensure maximum participation, May 10 has been designated as a public holiday.
For those who won’t be physically present during the census but have family members capable of providing accurate information to enumerators, their data will still be captured, ensuring a comprehensive record.
This announcement came during a meeting between UBOS officials and Members of Parliament (MPs) at Kampala Serena Hotel. The purpose of the gathering was to update legislators on the bureau’s preparations for the upcoming census.
Leading the delegation of MPs were Amos Kankunda, chairperson of the finance planning committee, and John Bosco Iloojo, chairperson of the parliamentary committee on national economy.
Mukiza assured the MPs of the census’s quality, emphasizing UBOS’s commitment to producing accurate statistics reflective of Uganda’s demographics and socioeconomic landscape.
He urged the public not to dismiss the census findings without substantial evidence, emphasizing the importance of introspection to address any identified shortcomings affecting the nation’s well-being.
Furthermore, Mukiza disclosed plans to release the country’s poverty status report and other socioeconomic indicators in June. Additionally, UBOS is conducting a manpower survey to assess labor demand for effective planning and will provide estimates of gross national income (GNI) to be incorporated into the budget speech.
While these estimates are preliminary, Mukiza highlighted that they would be revised in the October report, ensuring accuracy and relevance in guiding policy decisions.
