By THE OBSERVER UG
The census is scheduled to be conducted in May of this year. Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and 12 United Nations (UN) entities are poised to implement a joint project worth Shs 156.2 billion for data and statistics in the country.
This strategic program aims to catalyze positive change in the enhancement of the quality, relevance, and use of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) data and statistics in Uganda, aligning with international human rights and gender equality norms and principles. Launched by the First Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Kadaga, the three-year initiative targets the improvement of the National Statistical System’s capacity to produce, disseminate, and utilize data and statistics.
Representing Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Kadaga highlighted Uganda’s critical take-off stage, emphasizing the need for continuous planning, reflection on progress, and weighing options for sustainable social and economic development across all sectors. She underscored the high awareness and demand for statistics, stating, “We in government are best helped in the management of the scramble for scarce resources when equipped with up-to-date statistical indicators.”
Kadaga emphasized that the outcomes of the program will support the equitable allocation of resources and inform evidence-based policy and decision-making at all levels. Amos Lugoloobi, the State Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, expressed that the initiative will revolutionize the country’s national statistical system, incorporating administrative and citizen-generated data into official statistics. He stressed the importance of quality statistical data for monitoring the outcomes of efforts towards achieving the SDGs.
Chris Mukiza, the Executive Director of UBOS, highlighted the joint program as a fundamental step in aligning the entire National Statistical System (NSS) and emphasized the importance of creating public awareness, disseminating findings, and building partnerships along the statistics value chain.
The census, scheduled for May 2024, with Census Night designated for May 9th and 10th under the rallying slogan “It matters to be counted!” This initiative is expected to provide a firm baseline for monitoring major statistical indicators and enable continuous measurement of efforts geared towards achieving the SDGs.
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