Govt revises schedule for major national surveys, census reports

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The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has issued a revised calendar for several high-priority national surveys and census reports.

The upcoming publication dates for key data sets are expected to guide national planning, economic development and public policy.

“We remain committed to providing timely, reliable and accessible statistics that support evidence-based planning and decision-making across the country,” UBOS executive director Dr Chris N. Mukiza said in a statement circulated on May 13, 2026.

According to the updated schedule, the Uganda Business Inquiry 2019/2020 will be published online on May 21, 2026, at 8:00am.

On the same date, reports for the Uganda Harmonised Indicator (UHIS) Survey Waves I, II and III, covering the period from 2021 to 2025, will also be made available.

UBOS will conclude the month with the release of the Baseline Education Census (BEC) Report 2025 on May 28, 2026.

Mukiza said the revised calendar is intended to help stakeholders prepare for the upcoming publications and improve the use of official statistics.

“The revised release calendar is intended to keep stakeholders informed and ensure that users of official statistics can adequately prepare for the upcoming data publications,” he said.

National surveys and census reports are widely regarded as critical tools for modern governance because they transform raw population and economic data into actionable information used in policymaking and development planning.

Data generated through surveys such as the UHIS and the Baseline Education Census is expected to help the Government identify districts and communities facing the greatest social and economic challenges, enabling more targeted allocation of resources such as schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

The reports will also play a key role in monitoring the impact of government programmes over time.

By comparing findings across different survey waves, policymakers can assess whether interventions in sectors such as health, education and employment are producing measurable improvements.

Economic surveys, including the Uganda Business Inquiry and Labour Market Survey, are equally important in shaping investment decisions and labour planning.

 Analysts say international development agencies and investors often rely on such statistics to evaluate a country’s economic stability, workforce potential and growth prospects before committing funds.

The surveys are also essential for tracking Uganda’s progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including targets on poverty reduction, quality education, food security, and access to healthcare.

Mukiza noted that the reports due for release this month will provide critical insights into key sectors of the economy and social development.

“These reports will support government ministries, researchers, development partners and the private sector in tracking progress and shaping interventions based on credible data,” he said.

The Bureau also thanked the public and stakeholders for actively using reports published earlier this year, including the Uganda Aquaculture Census (UAC) Report 2025, officially released on April 30, 2026; the Labour Market Survey Report 2025; the National Human Resource Survey Report 2023/24; and various monographs from the 2024 National Population and Housing Census.

“We appreciate the continued interest and utilisation of UBOS reports by the public, policymakers, academia and other stakeholders,” Mukiza added.

Experts say publicly available statistical reports also strengthen transparency and accountability by enabling journalists, researchers and civil society organisations to independently assess government performance and stimulate informed public debate on national priorities.

Specialised studies such as the Uganda Aquaculture Census are also expected to support growth in emerging sectors by helping policymakers and private investors identify production gaps, market opportunities and areas requiring technical support.

Beyond the survey reports, UBOS continues to publish regular economic indicators. Consumer Price Indices (CPI) and Construction Input Price Indices (CIPI) are released on the last working day of every month, while Residential Property Price Indices (RPPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates are issued quarterly.

Mukiza emphasised the importance of official statistics in national development planning.

“Reliable statistics are essential for effective policy formulation, resource allocation and monitoring national development priorities,” he said, adding that all disseminated products and upcoming reports can be accessed through the official UBOS website.