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The Management at the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has assured Ugandans that it continues with its preparation to conduct the 2023 National Population and Housing Census.

Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has provided reassurances to the people of Uganda that they are actively proceeding with their preparations for carrying out the national population and housing census in 2023 yesterday, 11^th July 2023.

UBOS urged the public to ignore social media claims that all was not well at the bureau that recently had a clear out of some staff over discipline issues.

UBOS Executive Director Dr Chris Mukiza said they have already established the census structure from national to village level, developed the census questionnaire, pre-tested the questionnaire, completed census mapping in 40 districts and now collecting data in other 40 districts and conducting sensitisation of the census programme, among others.

UBOS has also revealed that it will go digital while carrying out the forthcoming national housing and population census set for August 2023.

“We have a foolproof technology system that has an inbuilt quality control, and we are sure we will get it right. This time we are going to have a technology- based census and to this, we will be using tablets,” said James Kizza, UBOS’ director for Digital Solutions and Data Capability.

“These attacks by former errant staff disguising as whistle-blowers online cannot stop the Bureau from achieving its objectives, including delivering the national census on time. In fact, the Bureau is now stronger, stable, and a centre of demonstratable and able leadership,” Dr Mukiza said.

The online media reports allege that the contracts of the Executive Director and the Board members had expired at the end of the previous Financial Year and that the Board and the Executive Director are in office illegally. The reports, quoting “whistleblowers” claimed that they recently petitioned the IGG over the acts of corruption at UBOS said to date back to 2021.

“All these issues were addressed by reputable offices and were brought to logical conclusions. This is an old story that was already concluded upon in 2021 but is now simply being recycled to achieve the evil goals and intentions of the errant staff,” Mukiza charged.

UBOS is currently conducting pre-census activities but is continuously producing and disseminating social, demographic, environment, and economics indicators for informing development progress under SDGs and NDPIII.

In addition, the Bureau continues to support pillar 6 of the Parish Development Model (PDM) with data collection at household and community levels.

UBOS is conducting mapping and is working closely with district leaders to ensure smooth census mapping. They are mapping the whole country using electronic gadgets (tablets) with preloaded information to allow entry of data and information for easy data management. Mapping will establish the number of enumeration areas and, therefore, number of enumerators required.