UBOS Distributes Tablets to Support Real-Time Census Data Updates

By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 1425 EAT on Wednesday 16 July 2025

Ordinarily, Uganda holds a National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) once every 10 years. However, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) is taking steps to ensure that population data remains current in the interim.

In a forward-looking move, UBOS has begun distributing more than 120,000 tablets—originally used during the 2024 census—to universities, higher education institutions, and cultural organizations. The goal is to keep the “census engine” running with updated figures well before the next official count, writes Geofrey Serugo.

During the 2024 NPHC, UBOS deployed approximately 122,026 tablets for nationwide enumeration. Recognizing that these devices may be obsolete by the next census in 10 years, the bureau is repurposing them now to support ongoing data collection and digital literacy efforts.

To address data gaps and ensure the nation remains well-informed, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has launched a strategic initiative to distribute digital tablets to key institutions.

On June 30, UBOS handed over more than 5,000 tablets to universities, higher education institutions, and cultural organizations. The move aims to strengthen data collection, enhance research capacity, and promote evidence-based planning across the country.

Unlike standard consumer tablets, the devices distributed by UBOS are built for high performance, with double the processing power and battery capacity of typical models.

They run on the Android operating system and come equipped with advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities—designed to function seamlessly even in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

According to UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris Mukiza, the distribution goes far beyond a simple donation. “Giving out these tablets is just one component of a broader goal—to make statistics usable and accessible to all stakeholders, including academic institutions, cultural organizations, and training facilities,” he explained.

“This release of tablets is part of our ongoing effort to strengthen Uganda’s statistical ecosystem,” Dr. Mukiza noted. “These devices will enable institutions to collect higher-quality data within their respective jurisdictions.”

He also highlighted concerns over the underutilisation of data collected during the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, urging recipient organizations to put the tablets to meaningful use.

“We encourage institutions to leverage this technology for community development, research, training, data analysis, and evidence-based policymaking,” he added.

Of the more than 120,000 tablets, we are making at least 10 per cent of the datasets publicly available, with the remaining data being made available upon user request as long as it is used in accordance with statistical rules and in aggregated form for privacy.

Ten government universities and teacher training facilities received 3,250 of the total tablets, with the remaining portion going to cultural institutions.

The Buganda kingdom got one thousand tablets, 550 to Bunyoro, 500 to Busoga, 120 to Rwenzururu, and 75 to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). Mbarara University of Science and Technology received 350, Kyambogo University 350, and Makerere University 700.

Dr. Allen Kabagyenyi, a UBOS board member, emphasized the broader educational impact of the tablet distribution. “These tablets will help institutions meet the growing demand for digital access, data-driven learning, and blended education models,” she said.

“In a world increasingly shaped by digital learning and research, this investment is critical. It empowers universities to train students using real-world statistical tools and significantly boosts institutional research capacity,” Dr. Kabagyenyi added.

According to James Kiiza, UBOS Director of Digital Solutions and Data Capability, the institutions that received the tablets are fully responsible for their maintenance.

“The tablets have been distributed to institutions that currently have, or are in the process of signing, collaborative arrangements with UBOS,” Kiiza explained.

“Since we’ve already trained the technocrats from the beneficiary entities, we expect them to pass on the knowledge and skills to end-users. There will be no additional training, as the tablets run on Android and are user-friendly for anyone familiar with smartphones.”

He added that while UBOS will not provide direct training for end-users, the bureau will offer ongoing technical support—particularly in reviewing and improving data collection methodologies.

“Most surveys are demand-driven. Under the terms of our Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), UBOS may review outputs to help refine methodologies for future surveys. This will ensure the data collected is accurate, relevant, and useful for planning and evidence-based decision-making in Uganda,” Kiiza said.

Kiiza notes that more government and cultural institutions will be considered for the remaining tablets under collaborative arrangements with Ubos.

“We are reviewing the methodology used to ensure adherence to the statistical methods in the collection of data and indicators set out in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the fourth (NDPIV) as well as the third Plan for National Statistical Development (PNSD III).

Andrew Byakutaga, the prime minister of the Bunyoro kingdom, who represented cultural leaders, says they are appreciative of the assistance, seeing it as a change in their responsibilities. He says they are going to deploy contemporary methods for gathering and managing data.

Cultural institutions were long viewed as hubs for drumming and dancing. However, Byakutaga notes that we live in a modern age.

“A large portion of our data is transmitted verbally. We will be able to better document and process it with the aid of these tablets. He adds that the kingdoms of Bunyoro and Ubos are still working together to create a statistical unit. Dr Muwanga Zaake, a seasoned Ubos statistician, says the incorporation of cultural institutions into the national statistical framework is a “dream come true.’

Earlier this year, UBOS also distributed 35,000 tablets to the Electoral Commission and over 23,000 to local governments, aimed at supporting the collection of administrative data. The bureau has emphasized that it will closely monitor the proper use of these devices across all beneficiary institutions.

According to UBOS spokesperson Didacus Okoth, the agency conducted specialized training sessions for the recipients to strengthen their capacity in data collection, research, and evidence-based planning.

“We undertook targeted training to ensure that the tablets are not just received, but used effectively to support data-driven governance and institutional development,” Okoth noted.

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here