Uganda Census Progress Report: Top and Underperforming Districts Revealed

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) has released an update on the progress of the ongoing National Housing and Population Census, which concludes in three days. State Minister for Planning, Mr. Amos Lugoloobi, reported that 60.2 percent of households have been enumerated since the census began on May 10.

Ubos initially aimed to count 10.47 million households, and they have so far reached 6.3 million. “By the end of the sixth day of enumeration, 60.2 percent of the targeted households have been covered. The remaining households and individuals will be enumerated within the remaining days,” said Mr. Lugoloobi.

Dr. Chris Mukiza, Executive Director of Ubos, highlighted that some districts have exceeded expectations, achieving over 80 percent coverage. Top-performing districts include Budaka (92.4%), Zombo (86%), Butambala (85.7%), Manafwa (85.4%), Kibaale (82.2%), and Agago (82%). Other districts such as Lubirizi, Sheema, Lamwo, and Mpigi have also surpassed 80 percent coverage.

Districts with household coverage above 70 percent as of yesterday include Amolatar, Butaleja, Bukwo, Bugweri, Iganga, Kalangala, Kaliro, Masindi, Moyo, Tororo, Amuru, Nakasongola, Rukungiri, and Kiboga. Conversely, districts like Mityana, Greater Mubende, Kassanda, Ssembabule, Terego, Obongi, Abim, Kaabong, Napak, Oyam, and Nwoya are still below 50 percent coverage.

“We are pleased with the overall performance and remain optimistic that all targeted populations will be counted by the end of the census,” said Dr. Mukiza. However, there are concerns that districts in the Kampala Metropolitan area might struggle to complete the enumeration due to initial glitches.

Dr. Mukiza acknowledged these issues, noting that enumerators in some urban areas were unable to start on the first day due to system access problems. These challenges have since been resolved, and coverage in Kampala has now exceeded 70 percent. Districts that missed the first day and may not meet the deadline will be granted an extra day to complete the enumeration.

Mr. Lugoloobi also addressed issues regarding training allowances and payments for enumerators in 63 districts, stating that payments have been processed and uploaded on the recruitment portal. This follows complaints from census workers about allowances, poor network connectivity, and faulty equipment.

Ubos officials previously announced that all enumerators and supervisors are entitled to Shs90,000 for nine days of training. During the census, enumerators receive Shs50,000 per day, while parish supervisors earn Shs60,000 per day for ten days of work, totaling Shs500,000 and Shs600,000, respectively. These payments will be disbursed after the census concludes on May 19.

The National Population and Housing Census 2024, running under the theme “It matters to be counted,” aims to gather comprehensive data to inform national planning and development.

Top-Performing Districts: