Orthodox archbishop urges Ugandans to embrace census
Isaac Nuwagaba
Journalist @New Vision
__________________ The Minister of Public Service, Wilson Muruli Mukasa revealed that census informs government on how it spends the taxes collected for service delivery
Orthodox Archbishop of Uganda Metropolitan Leronymos Muzeeyi has urged Ugandans to participate in the upcoming national census.
The census, which is mandatory for all Ugandan citizens, is scheduled to take place from Friday, May 10, 2024.
In a statement issued during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, Muzeeyi emphasised the importance of the census in facilitating effective planning and development in the country.
During the briefing, the interreligious family festival due on June 29, 2024, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds was launched.
“The census provides critical data that enables the Government to make informed decisions about the allocation of resources and the provision of essential services," he said, adding: "It is, therefore, crucial that all Ugandans participate in this exercise so that we can have accurate and reliable data".
Muzeeyi also encouraged Ugandans to embrace the census as an opportunity to showcase their patriotism and commitment to the development of their country.
"By participating in the census, we demonstrate our love and concern for our nation and its future generations," he said, "I urge all Ugandans to take this exercise seriously and to cooperate fully with the authorities in charge".
The census, which is conducted every 10 years, is expected to provide valuable data on the population's size, distribution, and demographic characteristics. It will also gather information on various social and economic indicators, such as education, employment, and housing.
The Metropolitan's call for participation in the census comes at a time when there is growing concern about the low level of public awareness about the exercise. Many Ugandans are still unaware of the importance of the census and the potential benefits it can bring to their communities.
In response to this challenge, the Orthodox Church in Uganda has pledged to play a leading role in promoting the census and encouraging Ugandans to participate.
“We will use our pulpits and other platforms to sensitise our faithful about the importance of the census and the need for their full participation," Muzeeyi said. "We will also work closely with the Government and other stakeholders to ensure that the exercise is successful."
Inspired by the ideal of one family under one God, Muzeeyi affirms that all people regardless of tribe, religion, or economic status in different localities become a collective initiative for socio-economic development towards national building for future generations to thrive.
Census empowers citizens
Public service minister Wilson Muruli Mukasa also highlighted that the census will help 'us to identify the needs of our people, particularly those in rural areas, and enable us to tailor our policies and programs to address those needs'.
Muruli further noted that the census is expected to provide an opportunity for Ugandans to participate in the decision-making process.
"By participating in the census, Ugandans will be able to have a say in how their taxes are spent and how their country is developed," he said.
The minister's call for participation in the census comes at a time when there is growing concern among Ugandans about the country's population growth and its impact on the economy. With a population of over 40 million people, Uganda is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, but the country's resources are increasingly stretched.
The upcoming census is seen as a critical step in addressing these challenges and ensuring that the Government can provide basic services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure to its citizens.
Muruli asked Ugandans to build economically stable families saying that families are under attack with poverty, disease burdens, unemployment, and inflation increasing day by day.
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