Uganda plans to spend 27 billion shillings counting students across all schools nationwide. The First Lady, Janet Museveni, launched this education census on April 3 in Jinja. Officials want accurate student numbers to eliminate fake learners that schools create for government money. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics started collecting data on April 7 in Greater Kampala before moving to other regions. UBOS spokesperson Didacus Okoth confirmed the 27 billion cost yesterday.
Some people questioned why the government didn't just use recent population census data instead. Okoth explained they needed exact student counts from every school, not household estimates. Education Minister Joyce Moriku Kaducu said the census will gather information about students, teachers, plus school buildings for better planning. The headcount includes both public and private establishments from pre-primary through university level. Census takers will meet each student directly during the count.
Schools must provide details about every learner, including names, birthdates, identification numbers, and teacher qualifications. They'll also record the school's location, facilities, textbooks, water systems, and energy sources. Kaducu asked school heads, local authorities, and parents to help census workers. The nationwide count continues until June 30, and parents are expected to share the correct birthdays and identification numbers for their children.
Some people questioned why the government didn't just use recent population census data instead. Okoth explained they needed exact student counts from every school, not household estimates. Education Minister Joyce Moriku Kaducu said the census will gather information about students, teachers, plus school buildings for better planning. The headcount includes both public and private establishments from pre-primary through university level. Census takers will meet each student directly during the count.
Schools must provide details about every learner, including names, birthdates, identification numbers, and teacher qualifications. They'll also record the school's location, facilities, textbooks, water systems, and energy sources. Kaducu asked school heads, local authorities, and parents to help census workers. The nationwide count continues until June 30, and parents are expected to share the correct birthdays and identification numbers for their children.
