Uganda has entered a new era in national data collection after completing its first fully digital National Population and Housing Census, marking a major shift from traditional methods of gathering population information.
The nationwide exercise was conducted in May 2024 and provided updated information about Uganda’s population, households, housing conditions and other important social and economic characteristics.
The move to digital technology changed the way census information was collected and processed. Instead of relying mainly on paper forms, census officials used digital devices to capture information from households across the country.
“The 2024 census was the first digital census conducted in Uganda.”
The transition was designed to make the collection and management of population data more efficient while improving the availability of information for national planning.
The census recorded Uganda’s population at more than 45.9 million people, alongside more than 10.6 million households. The results provide a detailed picture of the country’s demographic structure and the conditions in which people live.
Population information of this scale is important for decisions affecting everyday life. Government planners can use census data when determining where schools, hospitals, roads, housing and other public services may be needed.
The results can also help policymakers understand how Uganda’s population is changing. Information about household sizes, age groups, population distribution and housing conditions provides a foundation for planning future development programmes.
Another important change has been the increased availability of census information through digital platforms. Users can explore population statistics, maps and other information online, making national data easier to access for researchers, businesses, institutions and members of the public.
“The 2024 census was the first digital census conducted in Uganda.” — Uganda Bureau of Statistics”
The digital approach also creates opportunities for information to be managed more efficiently. Large amounts of data collected during a national census can be processed and organized using modern systems, helping produce statistics that can support planning and research.
Uganda’s experience reflects a broader shift toward digital transformation in statistical systems. Across Africa and other parts of the world, governments are increasingly using technology to improve the collection, processing and presentation of national statistics.
For Uganda, the 2024 census represents an important step in modernizing the country’s statistical system. The information collected can help provide a clearer understanding of population growth, demographic changes and the distribution of people and households across the country.
The census also provides a reference point for future planning. As Uganda’s population continues to change, updated statistics will remain important for understanding emerging needs and measuring development over time.
The first digital census therefore represents more than a technological upgrade. It marks a significant change in how Uganda gathers information about its people and provides a stronger digital foundation for future national planning.
With the 2024 exercise completed, Uganda now has experience that can shape how future population and statistical exercises are conducted, using technology to make national data collection more modern, accessible and efficient.
