*By John Kusolo*
On a significant day for Uganda's development and governance, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, representing President Yoweri Museveni, officially launched the final report of Uganda's 2024 National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) at the Serena Hotel in Kampala. Organized by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), this event marked the culmination of months of comprehensive data collection and analysis, showcasing the most detailed population and housing data in the nation's history. The 2024 census is not only a milestone in Uganda's statistical development but also a vital tool that will guide the country's socio-economic planning and resource allocation for years to come.
*Uganda's Population Hits 45.9 Million*
According to the detailed report, Uganda's total population as of May 2024 stands at 45,905,417 people, comprising 21,566,736 males and 24,338,681 females. This figure marks an increase of 11.3 million people from the 2014 census, reflecting a population growth rate of 2.9%, a slight decline from the 3.0% growth rate recorded in 2014. Uganda’s population growth remains one of the highest in the world, with significant implications for national planning and development.
*Technological Advancements in Census Methodology*
A key highlight of the 2024 census is its fully digital approach. For the first time, Uganda employed a high-tech data collection system, using electronic tablets operated by 135,230 field staff spread across the country. This digitization significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of the census, minimizing data collection errors and speeding up the processing of results. Data collection took place between May 10 and 19, with an extension in Metropolitan Kampala until May 26, 2024. The use of technology in this census represents a marked advancement over previous enumerations and aligns with global best practices.
*Crucial Data for National Development*
The 2024 census provides invaluable data that will serve as the backbone of national and local planning. It includes detailed information on Uganda's demographic composition, literacy rates, education, health indicators, employment trends, and household characteristics. These insights will directly support Uganda’s fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and provide a reliable basis for tracking the country’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Agenda 2063.
Speaking at the launch, UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris Mukiza emphasized the importance of the census results in policy formulation. "This data is crucial for evidence-based decision-making," he said. "It offers the insights we need to plan better, implement more targeted programs, and evaluate the impact of our development efforts at both national and district levels."
*Population Distribution and Growth*
The census revealed significant insights into Uganda’s population distribution and density. The Buganda sub-region remains the most populous, with 13 million people, followed by Busoga, which has 4.4 million residents. Wakiso District has overtaken others as the most populated district, with over 3.4 million people. In contrast, Kalangala and Moroto districts recorded the smallest populations. Uganda's overall population density increased to 224 people per square kilometer, with Kampala standing out as the most densely populated area, with 9,619 people per square kilometer.
*Household Dynamics and Shifting Family Structures*
The census also captured changes in household structures, with 10.6 million households enumerated and an average household size of 4.2 persons, down from 4.7 in 2014. This shift reflects evolving family patterns and living arrangements, providing insights into urbanization and socio-economic shifts across Uganda.
*Ethnicity and Religious Affiliation*
The census report highlighted Uganda's ethnic diversity, with the Baganda continuing to be the largest ethnic group, representing 16% of the population. Notably, the Iteso overtook the Bakiga as the fourth-largest ethnic group. Ethnic minorities, such as the Bakenyi (101,395) and Mvuba (382), were also documented, showcasing the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Additionally, religious distribution among ethnic groups showed significant trends, with tribes like the Napore reporting as much as 94% Catholic affiliation.
*Government and Development Partners*
The census was primarily funded by the Government of Uganda, which provided 98% of the required financial support, with additional contributions from development partners like the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Food Programme (WFP). The involvement of these partners highlights the importance of international collaboration in data collection and the alignment of Uganda's census with global population and development goals.
*Data for Policy and Development Planning*
The 2024 census will play an instrumental role in shaping policies across various sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, and employment. It offers comprehensive insights into population trends that will guide the allocation of resources, design of social programs, and implementation of key development projects. Government ministries, local authorities, and development agencies will rely on this data to address pressing challenges, such as housing shortages, job creation, and access to public services.
Moreover, the census data will be made publicly available on the UBOS website, facilitating broad access to vital statistics for researchers, policymakers, businesses, and citizens. This emphasis on transparency and data accessibility underscores the government's commitment to fostering informed public debate and evidence-based decision-making.
*A Data-Driven Future*
The successful completion and dissemination of the 2024 National Population and Housing Census marks a new chapter in Uganda’s development journey. As the country prepares to leverage this data for the implementation of NDP IV and other national programs, the government and its partners are optimistic that these insights will catalyze more effective and inclusive development.
The launch of this census report is not just a reflection of Uganda's growing population but also a testament to the country's capacity for innovation in public administration. With this detailed data at hand, Uganda is better equipped to confront its challenges, maximize its opportunities, and ensure that its development is both sustainable and inclusive.
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