In a historic meeting at Bugembe Palace, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, rallied his subjects to embrace the upcoming national census, slated to kick off on May 10, 2024.

Gathering alongside Dr. Chris Mukiza, the esteemed Executive Director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the Kyabazinga emphasized the significance of census participation in driving informed governance and equitable development. “Let us unite in support of the census, as it serves as a vital instrument for understanding our community’s needs and directing resources where they are most needed,” urged the monarch.

Expressing gratitude for UBOS’s collaboration, the Kyabazinga warmly welcomed the establishment of a dedicated statistical office at the kingdom headquarters, recognizing its potential to enhance local capacity for data-driven decision-making.

Dr. Mukiza echoed the sentiment, affirming UBOS’s commitment to conducting a transparent and inclusive census process. Stressing data security, Mukiza assured, “We are committed to preserving the confidentiality of all data collected, with robust measures in place to safeguard privacy.”

As anticipation mounted for the digital census, Mukiza unveiled innovative strategies to streamline data collection and verification. Enumerators will be equipped with identification tags featuring QR codes, enabling swift authentication and minimizing the risk of identity fraud.

Furthermore, in a demonstration of partnership and capacity-building, UBOS pledged to establish a dedicated statistics office unit at the kingdom headquarters, furnished with essential resources and staffed by locally nominated statisticians. This collaborative endeavor aims to equip the Busoga Kingdom with the tools and expertise needed for evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development.

As preparations for the census gained momentum, the partnership between UBOS and the Busoga Kingdom symbolized a shared commitment to leveraging data for inclusive governance and community well-being, ushering in a new era of progress and prosperity.