The Bamasaba Cultural Institution has commended the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) for the timely release of the 2024 census results, citing a commendable increase in the Bagisu population.
The institution’s leadership, led by Attorney General Richard Masereje, expressed their gratitude during a courtesy visit to Census Commissioner Dr. Chris Mukiza in Kampala.
“I want to applaud the bureau for its timeliness in releasing the Census 2024 results. For a long time, we have relied on the 2014 census data. With this updated information, we can now use scientific evidence to plan more effectively for our people,” said Masereje.
The 2024 census reveals that the Bagisu population has increased by 448,767 over the past decade, bringing the total to 2,096,149.
During the visit, the leaders of the cultural institution also requested that future census results provide separate statistics for the Bagisu and Sabiny communities.
Masereje emphasized the need for Elgon to be recognized as a standalone statistical sub-region, excluding districts such as Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo, which have historically been grouped under the Elgon sub-region along with Sebei and Bugisu.
UBOS currently includes Elgon among several statistical sub-regions, such as Acholi, Lango, Ankole, Bunyoro, Toro, Buganda North, Buganda South, West Nile, Bukedi, Busoga, Kigezi, Teso, and Karamoja.
The Bamasaba representatives highlighted the importance of their proposal as UBOS prepares to release the final National Population and Housing Census 2024 results in December, in accordance with the approved census roadmap.
The Attorney General expressed optimism that the data would facilitate better planning, policy formulation, and evidence-based decision-making for the Bugisu people.
The delegation pledged ongoing support for UBOS’ work. Dr. Mukiza, in turn, expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the two institutions, particularly the support from the cultural institution during the census process.
“All cultural institutions in Uganda are consumers of quality statistical data, and they form part of the Bureau’s stakeholders in the statistical value chain,” said Dr. Mukiza.
“The Census 2024 data is robust and of high quality. It is time to make good use of this statistical data and information. Your presence here signifies the importance that cultural institutions attach to these products.”
The 2024 census indicates that Uganda’s total population now stands at 45,904,417, with females accounting for24,338,681, compared to 21,566,736 males. The population has grown by 11.3 million people since 2014, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%.
