FDC Najjanankumbi calls for review of 2024 census methodology after discrepancies

The census report, released by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics on October 2, has been met with allegations of manipulation and inaccuracy from the opposition party.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has expressed concerns over the accuracy and transparency of the recently launched Uganda National Housing Census 2024 report, which claims the country’s population has reached 45.9 million.
The census report, released by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) on October 2, has been met with allegations of manipulation and inaccuracy from the opposition party.
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According to FDC’s Najjanankumbi Deputy Secretary for Publicity, Walid Lubega, the census was conducted under the Uganda Bureau of Statistics Act, 1998, but fell significantly short in terms of transparency and accountability during the data collection and reporting processes.
“We believe the statistics are unrealistic and manipulated, a serious matter given that such data informs policy decisions, development planning, and resource allocation,” Lubega stated.
The FDC's accusations come in the wake of UBOS removing the census report from its website after public backlash regarding contradictory figures.
For instance, the report indicated a dramatic population decline in the Acholi subregion, from 2,131,443 to 1,941,913, and the Bagisu population, which reportedly fell from 2,390,975 to 2,096,149.
“Indeed, the census numbers failed to make sense,” Lubega said.
The FDC emphasised the significance of accurate census data, noting that it informs key decisions made by the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Planning Authority (NPA).
For the EC, census data is crucial for redistricting electoral boundaries, demarcating polling stations, and updating voter registers.
Meanwhile, the NPA relies on this data for effective national planning.
Lubega criticized the census execution, pointing out that a lack of capacity building for enumerators led to many people being uncounted.
He explained that many enumerators were not adequately trained in census methodology, data collection procedures, or the technology they were required to use.
“Because of this lack of capacity, many Ugandans, including myself, were not counted,” he added, referencing former Minister of State for Agriculture Christopher Kibazanga, who also reported uncounted individuals from the Rwenzori region.
Dr Chris Mukiza, the executive director of UBOS, acknowledged the public's concerns during an appearance on Next Radio, apologizing for the contradictory results, particularly in the Acholi and Bugisu subregions.
Lubega challenged these explanations, questioning if there had been an epidemic in those regions that had led to such a population decline, suggesting that the statistics were more likely computer-generated than reflective of reality.
In light of these issues, the FDC is calling for a comprehensive review of the census methodology and quality control measures.
They urge UBOS to provide clear evidence supporting the report's accuracy.
Lubega also stated that redoing the census may be necessary to secure accurate data, ensuring better decision-making, enhanced credibility for UBOS, and improved resource allocation.