How can we improve census?

Sep 09, 2014

What comes to one’s mind when you hear the word CENSUS? But how many Ugandans selected at random can confidently explain what it really means?

trueBy Olivia K. Okiror

What comes to one’s mind when you hear the word CENSUS? But how many Ugandans selected at random can confidently explain what it really means?

The Census process in Uganda needs to be improved and better methods adopted in order to ensure accuracy and proper analysis of information that would be used for planning and proper allocation of resources respectively. One may ask, but how?

There are many ways in which this can be executed. First and most importantly would be to carrying out massive mobilisation and sensitisation of citizens on what exactly Census is, what it involves and its benefits to the people and the country as a whole.

By this, people will be in a better position to understand, ask questions and thereafter be willing to freely give accurate and up-to-date info without feeling insecure. Having worked as a sociologist, this comes from first-hand experience having worked with the community at grassroots level.

Secondly the timing, given that many Ugandans are working class, this should be considered keeping in mind that a big population, if not the whole population, might miss out because they are at work during the day when the counting is taking place.

From personal experience, I was not counted reason being I was working fulltime and would only return home late. Just to think how many other Ugandans out there just like me have or will miss taking part in the exercise leaves a lot to be desired.

Just how effective is this exercise? Thirdly, by allowing Ugandans air out their concerns and views concerning national growth during the exercise, its improvement that would lead to development. This will promote a feeling of inclusiveness and thus encourage people to voluntarily participate in the exercise.

I believe with the above suggested ways and more the whole census process will produce more accurate and meaningful output that would promote sustainable development hopefully towards Uganda’s Vision 2040 reality.

The writer is a social scientist

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