The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has dismissed allegations that it intends to remove Buganda from Uganda’s map.
This follows the recent circulation of a map that omitted Buganda from Uganda’s map, raising many questions and concerns.
During an official visit to the Buganda Kingdom at Mengo Palace on Friday, UBOS officials clarified that the claims circulating on social media are false.
Dr. Fred Ssenono, the acting Deputy Executive Director of UBOS, emphasized that the Bureau has no authority or intention to alter Buganda’s status within Uganda.
“The Bureau has no mandate or intention to remove Buganda Kingdom from the map of Uganda. This is an established region as per the Constitution of Uganda,” Dr. Ssenono stated.
He reassured the Kingdom that all 27 districts of Buganda remain included in UBOS findings and the official map of Uganda.
“We’ve come to tell the public in broad daylight that what is being said is untrue,” he added.
The visit followed widespread social media reports featuring altered maps that labeled Buganda as “Central North” and “Central South” instead of its rightful name.
UBOS officials firmly stated that there is no plan to erase Buganda, Uganda’s largest kingdom, noting that any changes to established regions can only be made through constitutional amendments.
Didacus Okoth, the Senior Public Relations Officer at UBOS, also refuted the claims, reaffirming that the statistics body has no intention of removing the Kingdom from the map.
He further revealed that UBOS is currently conducting a baseline education census and preparing for an aquaculture census, alongside a labor market indicator survey.
“All these surveys and censuses contribute significantly to national planning,” Okoth explained.
In response, Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, Buganda’s Minister for Information and Mobilization, commended UBOS for addressing the misinformation.
“We thank you for this gesture of coming to elaborate on such matters. It is good to note that you have assured us no one can remove Buganda from the Ugandan map,” Kazibwe said.
He noted that when the Kingdom first heard the rumors, both he and the Katikkiro swiftly condemned them and reassured the people of Buganda.
“When this issue first arose, I issued a press statement comforting our people, assuring them that no one could erase our history from the map. The Katikkiro also added his voice. But now that you have publicly clarified the matter, it is a commendable gesture,” he stated.
Kazibwe urged the people of Buganda to remain calm, as UBOS had shown them official census results confirming that all parts of Buganda, including its counties, were accounted for.
He encouraged them to set aside the controversy and focus on the Kingdom’s broader development agenda.
“Many of our youth, especially those in the diaspora, are active on social media. We want to reassure them that no one can erase Buganda,” he added.
Kazibwe also lauded UBOS for its participation in the Kabaka Birthday Run, an initiative aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS, which he noted has claimed many lives. Additionally, he praised UBOS for conducting various censuses that will aid the government in effective planning.
