Eswatini taps Uganda census model ahead of 2027 population count

Eswatini’s statistics officials are studying Uganda’s census system as they prepare for their 2027 national population count.

A delegation from Eswatini’s Central Statistics Office is currently in the country in a benchmarking visit that underscores Uganda’s growing profile in large-scale data management.

The week-long technical exchange focused on Uganda’s planning, coordination, and execution of the 2024 Population and Housing Census conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).

Uganda’s Chief Statistician, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, said that Government backing has been central to the success of national statistical operations, including the recent census.

He noted that leadership support has strengthened institutional independence and improved efficiency in data production.

“The President’s visionary leadership has strengthened statistical independence and enabled smooth operations through adequate resourcing,” Mukiza said on Friday.

He added that increased domestic financing has enhanced ownership of statistical processes, pointing out that the 2024 census was largely government-funded.

“The recently concluded National Population and Housing Census 2024 was funded up to 98 percent by the Government of Uganda, with only two percent from development partners,” he said.

Mukiza advised Eswatini to prioritise strong coordination structures to ensure complete enumeration.

He highlighted Uganda’s governance framework, including the National Census Council chaired by the Prime Minister, as a key mechanism that streamlines implementation across sectors.

He also pointed to improvements in Uganda’s statistical infrastructure and human resource capacity, which he said have enhanced efficiency in national data management.

Beyond technical discussions, Mukiza briefly noted Uganda’s tourism attractions, including mountain gorillas, waterfalls, game parks, and volcanic landscapes.

The Eswatini delegation, led by Marilyn Dlamini Phumlile, said Uganda’s census systems offer practical lessons for their upcoming exercise.

She praised Uganda’s use of digital tools and coordination systems during the 2024 census, including real-time monitoring mechanisms.

“The Bureau undertook extensive preparations, including a situation room for 24-hour monitoring of data collection coverage,” she said.

Phumlile also cited innovations such as the census dashboard, e-recruitment, e-payment systems, and public communication strategies as models worth emulating.

She said Eswatini is particularly interested in Uganda’s integrated approach to planning, supervision, and real-time data tracking.

Phumlile added that her team seeks continued technical cooperation with Uganda as preparations for the 2027 census continue.

UBOS expressed confidence that the benchmarking visit has equipped the delegation with practical insights to strengthen Eswatini’s census design and implementation.