UBOS revises down census spend to Shs61bn

By Bridget Nsimenta

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has addressed concerns regarding the funds spent on training for the recently concluded National Population and Demographic Survey.

Didacus Okoth, the UBOS public relations officer, has provided a detailed breakdown of the expenditure, clarifying that the actual amount spent was Shs61.2 billion.

The institution's executive director Chris Mukiza on August 1 reported spending Shs62.3 billion.

Okoth explained that the extensive training conducted at four tiers broken down under training of trainers (TOT), training of district trainers, training of sub county or town council trainers, and training of Enumeration supervisors and their Enumerators—was crucial for ensuring the success of the census.

Additionally, Okoth reiterated the status of other payments, stating that 88.7 billion shillings has so far been spent on compensating census personnel and all those with pending payments will be cleared by the end of August 2024 using e-Cash.

Mr Okoth also noted that all payments are in the pipeline and will paid by end of this month.

However, some LC2 and 3 chairpersons that have not been paid have been complaining as reported by Mr Okoth.

He says following a circular that was given to every CAO, and city clerk in various cities and districts, it clearly indicated the categories of people who are entitled to payments.

Regarding the equipment that has not been retrieved that is; 829 tablets 11733 power banks, said they will soon be recovered.

"It's not that they are lost, they are soon-to-be-recovered," Okoth said.

UBOS is committed to providing the Census 2024 results by the end of September 2024, highlighting its dedication to transparency and accountability in managing public funds for this critical national project.