Uganda’s President Museveni Inaugurates National Population & Housing Census 2024

Kololo Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni offically inaugurated the National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) 2024, emphasizing the importance of this exercise in bridging gaps in service delivery.

Kololo Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni offically inaugurated the National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) 2024, emphasizing the importance of this exercise in bridging gaps in service delivery.

Uganda conducts a national census every decade, with the most recent one occurring in 2014. The census data holds significant importance in shaping planning, policy-making, program execution, and monitoring development progress aligned with national objectives.

Musevni said that ”The 10th day of May, 2024 has been designated a public holiday. I therefore urge all Ugandans to actively participate in the census”.

Scheduled for May 9th, 2024, the census will utilize digital technology for the collection, processing, and dissemination of results. This digital approach, facilitated by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), aims to produce precise and timely demographic, social, and economic statistics.

UBOS estimates the current population of Uganda at 45.5 million, with a growth rate of 30.4 percent. During the launch ceremony, President Museveni expressed gratitude to UBOS for its consistent success in organizing census activities.

President Museveni emphasized that the census, taking place on the night of May 9, will be followed by a public holiday on May 10, 2024, encouraging all Ugandans to stay at home and participate in the counting process.

Highlighting the significance of the census, President Museveni stated that obtaining answers to questions about the population’s size, distribution, well-being, possessions, and access to services is essential for effective government planning.

Museveni said that ”By understanding the size, distribution, and characteristics of the population, the government will be better equipped to plan and provide equitable services for all Ugandans”.

The President also celebrated the growing population of Uganda and Africa, attributing it to improved living conditions and reduced mortality rates. He noted Africa’s demographic shift, surpassing India in population and projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2025.

Finance Minister Hon. Matia Kasaija praised the support from development partners such as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and the World Bank. The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, urged Ugandans to participate in the census, emphasizing its positive impact on government planning and service delivery.

Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (Planning) Hon. Amos Lugoloobi explained the census’s role as a comprehensive statistical operation providing crucial insights into the entire population and its characteristics.

UBOS Executive Director, Dr. Chris Mukiza, thanked the government for its 98 percent contribution to fund the census, highlighting its unique status as the first paperless census.

The representative of UNFPA in Uganda, Ms. Gift Malunga, praised Uganda’s commitment to the 2024 census and its embrace of digital technology, setting a positive example for other nations. Development partners reiterated their dedication to the success of the census.

UBOS Board of Directors Chairperson, Dr. Albert Byamugisha, highlighted the bureau’s mandate and its role in various surveys and censuses. He commended President Museveni for championing the 2024 census launch.

The event drew attendance from ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, members of parliament, and other distinguished guests.

Museveni said that ”urges the NPHC to go beyond gathering population statistics and also focus on improving service delivery across the country”.

Museveni said that ”This comprehensive approach will ensure that resources and assistance are distributed effectively to those in need. I thank them and wish all Ugandans good luck”.