In a groundbreaking move towards Uganda’s digital transformation, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) successfully conducted the country’s first-ever digital national population and housing census in May 2024. This milestone event marks a radical shift from traditional data collection methods and showcases the transformative power of digital tools in public sector operations.
For the first time in Uganda’s history, census data was collected, processed, and analyzed digitally, enabling UBOS to release preliminary results in a record-breaking time of just one month. This rapid turnaround represents a significant improvement over the manual processes used in previous censuses, which could take months, if not years, to finalize.
This remarkable achievement was facilitated by UBOS’s partnership with MTN Uganda, a key enabler in the country’s digitalization journey. MTN provided the critical digital infrastructure required for seamless data collection through their extensive network and advanced digital technologies.
Ivan Atwiine, Head of Digital Solutions at UBOS, highlighted the role MTN played during the census.
“We had two types of connections during the census,” he explains. “First, we utilized an APN connection, where a SIM card in each tablet connected directly to our servers. This method provided a more secure and streamlined data transfer process. Additionally, MTN provided internet access at our data center, enabling us to conduct more advanced analyses and secure cloud storage as a backup solution.”
The introduction of digital tools in the census process not only reduced the time and effort required to gather data but also increased accuracy and security, ensuring that the final data set is more reliable. This was a critical step in ensuring Uganda can access accurate population insights faster, aiding in better planning and policy-making at both the local and national levels.
As one of the key drivers of Uganda’s digital transformation, the telecom giant continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and technologies that enable institutions like UBOS to embrace digital solutions. These investments align with MTN’s commitment to lead digital solutions for Uganda’s progress, which encompasses digital innovations that enhance operations for both public and private sector players under the initiative “business done better”.
As Uganda celebrates the success of its first digital census, the implications extend far beyond this single project. The efficiency and accuracy demonstrated by UBOS offer a blueprint for other digital initiatives, from e-governance to healthcare digitization.
Moving forward, UBOS and MTN’s collaboration could serve as a model for other public sector players looking to harness technology for public sector innovation.
“We appreciate the support from MTN and thank them for the role they have played in the digital transformation of the country for us as digital players in the market,” added Atwiine, underscoring the significance of such partnerships in shaping Uganda’s digital future.
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