The Government has announced that barracks will not be included in the upcoming census counting process. This decision comes as a result of a directive barring all enumerators from accessing security installations, including Uganda Prison Services, Uganda People’s Defence Forces, and Uganda Police Force premises.
Instead, security forces will undertake the task of collecting data and transmitting it to designated data collection centers.
Didacus Okoth, the head of communication at the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), clarified that this decision was made due to the sensitive nature of information within these areas, rendering them off-limits to civilians.
He further explained that UBOS has collaborated with all security forces, including the Uganda Police and UPDF, to facilitate data collection. Trained teams from these security agencies will conduct data collection on behalf of UBOS.
Scheduled to occur from May 10 to 19, the census aims to gather data on various social demographic characteristics for planning purposes.
During this period, enumerators will not only visit households but also knock on hotel room doors to administer questionnaires. This data will be instrumental in informing government planning initiatives.
Approximately 120,000 field staff members have been equipped with tablets to facilitate data collection during the census period.
In an exclusive interview, Okoth provided insights into the census night, emphasizing its significance as a reference point for worldwide census activities. On this night, individuals who have slept within the boundaries of an enumeration area will be counted.
Okoth clarified that even individuals with multiple residences will be counted based on where they spent the census night. He urged the public to be mindful of their location on this night to ensure accurate data capture.
He emphasized that census activities will not take place during the night itself, with actual enumeration activities scheduled for May 10, which has been designated as a public holiday to encourage widespread participation.
Okoth also provided an update on census preparedness, noting the completion of staff counting at various administrative levels and the ongoing training of field personnel.
During the census, Ugandans will be asked questions related to their demographics, ethnicity, nationality, religion, and marital status, among others. Different questionnaires will be administered based on the respondent’s circumstances, including household, floating population, and institutional questionnaires.
Despite legal provisions allowing for the arrest and prosecution of individuals who defy census requirements, UBOS has opted for public education initiatives to underscore the importance of census participation.
Dr. Albert Byamugisha, the chairperson of the UBOS board of directors, emphasized the significance of census data for effective planning and urged the public to cooperate with enumerators. He assured that efforts have been made to reach out to various stakeholders to promote census participation and understanding.
