In a bold response to recent accusations, the Executive Director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Dr Chris Ndatira Mukiza, has firmly denied allegations that the recently released census figures were intentionally manipulated to reflect normalized data.
During a media Breakfast meeting at Kampala Serena Hotel on Tuesday, Dr Mukiza addressed the growing concerns, stating that while human error is inevitable in such large-scale operations, there is no need for an apology as the integrity of the census process remains intact.
He emphasized that the transparency and professionalism of their work should reassure the public about the validity of the data provided.
“Errors are made every day, and the nature of data collection on a national scale is complex,” Dr. Mukiza explained. “We have implemented rigorous methods to ensure that our findings are as accurate as possible. The allegations of manipulation are unfounded and do not reflect the commitment of UBOS to serving the nation.”
Dr. Mukiza highlighted the challenges faced during the census process, including the meticulous counting of individuals and the recording of vital statistics.
He noted that even with thorough training and supervision, small mistakes can occur, as he experienced during the writing of his PhD thesis. “Even in my academic journey, where I was scrutinized by experts, errors slipped through,” he stated, underscoring that such imperfections do not diminish the overall value of the work.
In addressing specific allegations, Dr. Mukiza mentioned that some individuals claimed they were not counted, urging them to check the markings left on their doors during the enumeration process. “If you have been counted, you would see an ‘E’ indicating that you were enumerated. If your house was vacant or unoccupied, it would be marked accordingly. This is how we track data accurately,” he clarified.
He also acknowledged the importance of public trust in the census results, reminding attendees that statistics play a crucial role in guiding national policies and resource allocation.
Dr. Mukiza urged the media and the public to report on the census findings objectively, free from sensationalism. “Let’s focus on the facts rather than conjecture. We owe it to our country to ensure that discussions about data are rooted in evidence,” he asserted.
“On the 28th of June this year, Daily Monitor published Uganda’s population of 49.5 million, was it that we had given you? Even the figure we published here at Serena less than 24hrs has been changed. When we communicated they said; we are sorry, it was a typo. What I’m trying to say is that errors are made every day.
He addressed the common misconceptions people have about journalists, noting that many individuals tend to think that journalists are perfect and make no mistakes. He emphasized that this perception is unrealistic and described it as a Utopian view. Furthermore, he affirmed his commitment to his country, declaring that he would not resign and proudly stated that he considers himself one of the best statisticians.
“Everywhere it’s Mukiza, even before I was appointed, so why are you all saying wrong data why dont you say we want this man out of office? Why are you passing behind the door? We have told you that the figures you wrote in 2024 are perfect, the only issue is that we had a small anomaly; the population of Bakiga was swapped with that of Bagisu, Acholi and Langis that’s all. And that’s a human error and because of that it dents the credibility of the entire Census Report? We need to style up as a country otherwise we shall become a laughing stock,” he asserted.
He explained that in 2014 figures had a swap while in 2024 figures stand correct. In a broader lens, 2014 figures on Bakiga were for Acholi, Langi were for Bagisu, Bagisu were for Bakiga and 2014 figures on Acholi were for Langi.
Dr Ssenono Fred- Acting Deputy Executive Director also added that there was a human error that was made during the printing and preparation of the statistics related to tribes and there is no intention whatsoever by the bureau to discredit any tribe and this error has been rectified.
“The Uganda Bureau of Statistics has an open door policy which aims at transparency of its activities including disclosure on national statistics. We want to encourage the public to always seek clarification from us on any data that is shared,” he said.
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