Population census to capture clan details

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | In the upcoming Uganda National Population Census scheduled for May 10, 2024, individuals will be required to provide details about their clan affiliation. This includes identifying which clan each member of the household belongs to.

This census, the sixth in the country’s history, will have a census night on May 9, 2024, aiming to gather data on the number of Ugandans, their welfare, and the quality of social service delivery.  Additionally, for the first time, the census will collect information on the clan characteristics of households, a request made by cultural leaders, particularly from the Buganda Kingdom.

This inclusion of clan details in the census data is seen as important by cultural leaders, as it will help them better understand the statistical makeup of their subjects.   Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro (prime minister) of the Buganda Kingdom, emphasized the importance of accurate data for efficient planning and development.

“Our vision is to reposition the kingdom at the helm of social and economic development, and this requires the rebuilding of the institutions which, back then, were the reasons why the kingdom was seen as a progressive and prosperous community,” Mayiga said while meeting the UBOS officials.  He stressed the need to move away from guesswork and rely instead on statistics and data provided by credible sources like the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).

Mayiga urged Ugandans to participate fully in the census, assuring them that it is not for taxation purposes. “I want to inform the public that this isn’t about collecting taxes, because this is the greatest fear that ordinary people have, thinking that when they are counted and they are above 18 years, they will be asked where they pay their taxes. I don’t see how the two are related; therefore, I urge people to participate and give the information that UBOS requires,” he explains.

Chris Mukiza, the Chief Executive Officer of UBOS and the census commissioner, stated that UBOS is at 86 percent readiness for the census. He confirmed that all census questions will reference the night of May 9, 2024, with actual counting taking place on May 10, 2024, which will be a public holiday to facilitate home visits.

Mukiza also mentioned UBOS’s good working relationship with the Buganda Kingdom and their collaboration on statistical publications like “Mannya e’Sazza lyo” (Know Your County). In response to a request from the Buganda Kingdom, UBOS has incorporated clan characteristics into household data collection. Mukiza highlighted that this addition is not exclusive to Buganda but relevant to many communities across the country with clan systems.

Additionally, Mukiza announced UBOS’s contribution to Kabaka’s birthday run and their donation of census equipment to the Buganda Kingdom statistics office.

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