Eastern Uganda set for baseline education census

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The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has underlined the importance of stakeholder co-operation ahead of the start of baseline education census in eastern Uganda on Monday (June 8).

UBOS is conducting the nationwide census in collaboration with the education ministry.

The census, which began in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area in April, aims to collect data on various aspects of the education sector. 

This includes creating a comprehensive inventory of formal educational institutions, providing crucial data for improved planning and resource allocation within the sector.

Addressing a press conference in Tororo district on Friday, Didacus Okoth, the UBOS principal public relations officer, said the involvement of all stakeholders in the exercise is important.

"This census goes beyond the usual head count because we are gathering detailed information on learners, teachers, and school infrastructure to provide a complete picture of the educational landscape," he said.

"This data will be invaluable for the Ministry of Education in planning, policy formulation, and evidence-based decision-making."

Over 2,000 enumerators will be deployed across the eastern region for the almost month-long exercise.

Okoth said the census will collect comprehensive data, including;

▪️ Learner details (name, date of birth, sex, nationality, learner identification number)

▪️ Teacher information (name, date of birth, sex, nationality, teacher identification number, qualifications)

▪️ Data on other school support staff 

'Not just a protocol'

Institutional data will cover the Education Management Information System number, operational status, and precise location down to the village level.

All levels of education, from pre-primary to university — both public and private — will be included.

John Okea, the Tororo district chairperson, emphasized the programme's importance for improved budget planning and resource allocation. 

"This is not just a protocol, it's essential."

Okea urged all heads of institutions and parents to co-operate fully in providing accurate information on students. 

"The data will be used to identify critical shortages in teachers, resources, and infrastructure."

Reports of schools with insufficient teachers and inadequate facilities are prevalent.

Okea cited instances of schools operating with significantly fewer teachers compared to learner size. 

He also spoke of insufficient Universal Primary Education (UPE) funding and inadequate facilities in many schools.

As such, it is hoped the census will provide the evidence needed to advocate for increased funding and resource allocation to address the several critical issues affecting learning institutions in Uganda. 

"By identifying specific needs, such as shortages in subject-specific teachers and infrastructure gaps, the census may inform strategic recruitment and teacher training initiatives," said Okea.

After the eastern region and completion of Buganda and Greater Kampala regions, the census is expected to be conducted in other parts of the country.