2023 Population and Housing Census will be tech-based, says UBOS
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) will conduct the Population and Housing Census in August 2023, as approved by Cabinet in September of this year.
2023 Population and Housing Census will be tech-based, says UBOS
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) will conduct the Population and Housing Census in August 2023, as approved by Cabinet in September of this year.
The 24th or 25th of August 2023 is the reference night for the census.
The mapping exercise is one of the ongoing preparations, according to Godfrey Nabongo, the acting executive director of UBOS, who spoke to press on Monday in Kampala.
He told reporters at Statistics House, “We have already set up committees at the national level and we are moving on to form up committees at the district level up to the lowest levels of government. We will do a pilot in February and then carry out the census in August 2023.”
James Kizza, the Director of Digital Solutions and Data Capability at UBOS, stated during the same press conference that technology may improve the productivity of statisticians.
The use of statistics in planning and decision-making is crucial. Every day, technology advances and changes. The statistical value chain would be improved using the latest technological developments, he told media.
The census, which is conducted once every ten years, will be based on technology, according to Kizza.
He claimed that UBOS would purchase tablets to be utilized in the enumeration procedure.
A tablet is a small, portable computer that doesn’t utilize a keyboard or mouse to take input; instead, it accepts input directly on its screen.
“This time, results will emerge considerably sooner rather than one or two years from now. Other nations that have employed this technique got their outcomes in three months, he disclosed.
Kizza clarified that even if plans to purchase the tablets have not yet been finalized, the bureau will offer the equipment.
“We will provide the enumerators with training. We have been using tablets to manage surveys. This time, we’re going to use a different kind of technology. We promise that everyone will be well-prepared when they get on the scene.
To make sure they are prepared for the exercise, Kizza said there will be tests in the form of a lengthy pilot.
Nabongo claims that this technology will improve service delivery throughout the nation in addition to supporting the census.
After the census, these devices will be used by other departments and agencies of the government. The government is investing in these technologies to improve service delivery as well as the census.
Census mapping began some time ago, according to James Muwonge, Director of Methodology and Statistical Coordination Services.
“In Uganda, we struggle to effectively use statistics. We need to use statistics more effectively. We still have a ways to go.
The director of corporate services, Vitus Mulindwa, concurs that having the appropriate tools will boost statistics output.
“Our mandate is to provide resources and support services to increase statistics production,” the statement reads.
Uganda now has a population of 44.7 million, according to UBOS September forecasts.
