*By John Kusolo*
On 20th November 2024, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) marked the Geo-Information Systems (GIS) Day under the theme "Mapping Minds, Shaping the World." The event, which was part of the Africa Statistics Week celebrations, highlighted the transformative role of GIS in modern data collection and management. The week-long celebrations commenced on 18th November with Africa Statistics Day, observed across the continent.
At the event, Mr. Isaac Akeraganisa, a GIS Officer at UBOS, presented a comprehensive journey of Uganda's mapping evolution, particularly for national censuses. He underscored the transition from analogue mapping for the 2002 census to hybrid mapping and the adoption of full digital mapping for the 2024 census.
*Transition to Digital Mapping*
In his presentation, Mr. Akeraganisa detailed the evolution of mapping techniques:
Analogue Mapping (2002 Census): Relied on topographic maps and manual tallying of households.
Hybrid Mapping : Integrated both analogue and digital methods, marking the initial steps toward modernization.
Digital Mapping (2024 Census): Fully leveraged satellite imagery and geo-referencing technologies. This included interactive Thematic Package (TPK) Enumeration Area (EA) maps, which combined facility and household listings with digitally demarcated EA boundaries.
Akeraganisa emphasized that the use of GIS in the 2024 census significantly enhanced data accuracy and efficiency. "GIS helped us know up-to-date administrative units, enumeration area maps, and socio-economic facilities," he said. Modern GIS applications such as ArcGIS Field Maps and ArcGIS Survey123 streamlined data collection, ensuring 99% of the population was enumerated. These advancements allowed UBOS to release the census report in record time, providing vital statistics for informed decision-making.
*GIS Maps for Education Indicators*
The presentation also highlighted GIS maps for key education indicators. In 2014, Uganda had 116 districts, but by 2024, the digital census captured 146 districts, reflecting the country's growth and enabling the government to better target service delivery. Akeraganisa urged participants to embrace GIS modernization, acknowledging the contributions of various stakeholders in advancing Uganda's mapping capabilities.
*Insights from Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team*
Mr. Kateregga Geoffrey from the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team provided insights into field mapping challenges, particularly in slum areas. "Open mapping using drone imagery is an ideal approach," he explained. Drone imagery provides an aerial perspective that helps prevent unit overlaps and offers accurate mapping in underrepresented areas.
Kateregga highlighted the significance of OpenStreetMap, a free and editable map that allows communities to access and update local data. Using apps that detect buildings at a local level, slum communities can map themselves with smartphones. Tools such as the field mapping tasking manager provide end-to-end solutions for empowering communities to document their environments.
*Challenges in Spatial Data Policy*
Emma Prince Noble Egunyu, a GIS Officer at the National Planning Authority (NPA), discussed the Uganda Spatial Data Infrastructure (UGSDI) policy. Initiated in 2011, the UGSDI aims to build GIS capacity and produce integrated data for national development. However, despite being drafted in 2019, the policy faces challenges such as limited appreciation of spatial data's role in development, confusion with other data types, and inadequate stakeholder engagement.
Egunyu called for increased advocacy and engagement with policymakers to unlock the potential of spatial data in driving sustainable development.
*Tackling City Chaos Through GIS*
Ms. Flavia Zabali Musisi, a Geospatial Analyst at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), attributed the city's disorder to poor physical planning. She revealed that an app developed by KCCA has so far identified 449 illegal structures, helping track unauthorized developments.
"The app captures entire areas, reducing corruption by structure owners," Musisi explained. She acknowledged that delays in permit approvals often lead to unauthorized construction. However, the app aims to address these gaps and streamline urban management.
The GIS Day celebrations showcased how mapping technologies have revolutionized data collection and planning in Uganda. From census operations to urban planning and community mapping, GIS is empowering stakeholders to make data-driven decisions for sustainable development. As UBOS' Akeraganisa aptly noted, "Mapping minds shapes the world with fit-for-purpose statistics."
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