500 soldiers from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have completed an intensive nine-day training session geared towards their role in the upcoming National Housing and Population Census.
The training took place at Gadaffi Barracks in Jinja district, a crucial preparation for the forthcoming nationwide census.
Dr. Chris Mukiza, the Executive Director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards, presided over the conclusion of the training.
He underscored the significance of having UPDF personnel trained as supervisors and enumerators, given the unique challenges of accessing military installations for civilian officials. Dr. Mukiza expressed gratitude to the UPDF for their involvement in the census, emphasizing the importance of counting every individual.
Brigadier General Ephraim Mugume, heading the UPDF census committee, highlighted the diverse selection of participants from various UPDF units and formations.
These soldiers are designated to serve as battalion supervisors and enumerators during the census. Brig. Gen. Mugume urged the soldiers to integrate the knowledge gained from the training with the ideological principles of the UPDF.
The National Housing and Population Census, scheduled to commence on May 10, 2024, will span a duration of ten days. It represents a concerted effort to accurately capture demographic data across the nation, with the UPDF playing a vital role in ensuring its success.