The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has released detailed findings from the 2024 National Population and Housing Census for Kisoro District, revealing a significant sanitation challenge. The data shows that 2,339 households in the district lack access to toilet facilities, while a further 1,923 households still practice open defecation across various sub-counties.
The alarming statistics were presented at a dissemination ceremony held on Saturday at the Joseph Ndatira Community Resource Centre in Chahafi Town Council. UBOS officials, local leaders, and security personnel attended the event.
According to the census report, Kisoro District has a total population of 433,662 individuals residing in 80,206 households. Of these, 1,889 households in Bufumbira North, South, and East, and 34 households in Kisoro Municipality engage in open defecation. Bukimbiri County accounts for 416 households with no toilet facilities whatsoever.
UBOS Deputy Executive Director Godfrey Nabongo highlighted the severe health risks associated with poor sanitation practices, warning of potential outbreaks of diseases like cholera and dysentery if urgent action is not taken to improve sanitation infrastructure.
UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris Ndatira Mukiza affirmed the accuracy of the census data and commended the team for their efficient data collection and dissemination efforts.
The Officer-in-Charge of Kisoro Police Station, Alex Ahimbisibwe, expressed gratitude to UBOS for involving the security sector in the census and pledged continued support for future initiatives.
Local leaders, including Chahafi Town Council Mayor Nkunzimana Hardad and Irankunda Innocent, praised UBOS and Dr. Mukiza for their contributions to the development of their communities.
UBOS Senior Public Relations Officer Didacus Okoth thanked the residents of Kisoro for their cooperation during the census and encouraged them to support upcoming UBOS activities, such as the national learners’ headcount and the Aquaculture Census.
