Starting today, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) will commence a baseline education census in government schools across eight sub-regions of Uganda.
The survey, which will be conducted in three days, will cover the Acholi, Bunyoro, Karamoja, Kigezi, Rwenzori, Toro, and West Nile sub-regions.
This data collection exercise aims to gather critical information that supports effective planning and resource allocation for schools.
UBOS spokesperson Didacus Okoth told journalists the census was initially scheduled for the start of the current school term but was delayed due to a teachers’ industrial action.
“We are now fully prepared to conduct the exercise,” Okoth said.
“UBOS is collaborating with the ministry of Education, and we urge teachers to provide accurate information and support pupils in doing the same.”
Okoth emphasised that the data collected will enable the government to plan more effectively, particularly in allocating resources to schools. The census will gather details on learners, non-teaching staff, institutional identity, contact information, and infrastructure status, among other aspects.
Responding to critics who questioned the accuracy of the 2024 national census, Okoth reiterated UBOS’s commitment to precision.
“Every data collection exercise we conduct is designed to provide accurate information to support proper government planning,” he said, refuting claims of inaccuracies in previous efforts.
