Census Data to Shape Uganda’s Development Strategy

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics has released the final report of the 2024 National Population and Housing Census. The final comprehensive document, Volume 1 (Main), provides the much-needed demographic and socio-economic statistics that are important for national planning and development.

The report is now available on the UBOS website, www.ubos.org, and is expected to become a cornerstone for evidence-based decision-making among policymakers, development partners, and the general public.

Data That Drives Development

Dr. Chris Mukiza, the Executive Director of UBOS, said the census data will be core in shaping the future of Uganda. “This report assures stakeholders of high-quality official statistics for informed planning, decision-making, and public debate,” he said.

The 2024 census was, therefore, to capture a more accurate and detailed outline of the population of Uganda under the theme “It Matters to Be Counted.” These findings are to address key development challenges and opportunities that are supposed to set the course for sustainable growth initiatives across the country.

Upcoming Detailed Analyses

In addition to this main report, UBOS is to publish a series of in-depth analyses over the next six months. This would be in the form of monographs on specific areas, including the Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index and demographic profiles at the sub-county and parish levels. These deeper analyses will enhance understanding of the data and allow for better targeting of development interventions.

The full report is now available online to all stakeholders, researchers, and the general public. UBOS hopes that, with increased access to this data, Uganda will be better positioned to harness the power of statistics in addressing socio-economic challenges and creating opportunities for its citizens.

Addressing Past Errors

While the 2024 census was a milestone, it has not been free from controversy. In October 2024, UBOS acknowledged that there were errors in the preliminary results of the census, especially regarding population figures by tribe and religion. The discrepancies stirred public outcry as some accused the bureau of manipulating the data.

According to the officials from UBOS, errors came out because of some mistakes when compiling the final report. More precisely, these were related to incorrectly reported data from the 2014 census that distorted percentages in the 2024 report. Despite such hurdles, the bureau has convinced its stakeholders that the backbone data from the 2024 census was good.

Nearly all major tribes showed population growth,” an official, in turn, confirmed and countered the claims of skewed data. UBOS has taken efforts to ensure transparency and accuracy to restore public confidence in the statistics body.

The Bigger Picture

The 2024 National Population and Housing Census is a core tool for the development of Uganda. The report encompasses very detailed demographic and socio-economic data that provides a foundation for informed decision-making, and policymakers can make priorities for investment in health, education, infrastructure, and other sectors.

This report is one such reminder that data shapes a nation’s future as it works its way toward attainment of sustainable development. It also calls on UBOS to provide more valued insights in informing Uganda’s growth and development with many analyses still at their disposal.