The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, has officially launched the Baseline Education Census (BEC), an initiative aimed at improving the reliability of education sector statistics in Uganda.
The launch, which took place at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja, marks the beginning of a nationwide data collection exercise that will provide accurate and up-to-date information on the country’s education sector.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) will spearhead the census, covering approximately 76,000 government and private education institutions across Uganda.
Nationwide Coverage
The BEC will gather data from pre-primary, primary, secondary, vocational, and tertiary institutions to establish a comprehensive database that will inform policy and decision-making in the education sector.
The exercise is set to begin in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area—comprising Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono—on April 7, 2025, before extending to other regions.
To ensure efficiency, UBOS enumerators will use digital tablets for data collection. This technological approach aims to enhance the accuracy, speed, and reliability of the information gathered, making it easier for authorities to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and policy planning.
Importance of Reliable Education Data
In her speech, the First Lady underscored the significance of credible statistics in shaping the future of Uganda’s education sector. “Accurate data is the foundation for effective planning and decision-making. With this census, we aim to build a robust education system based on facts rather than assumptions,” she stated.
UBOS Director of Population and Social Statistics, Ms. Hellen Nviri, emphasized the need for cooperation from all stakeholders, including school administrators, local government authorities, and parents.
She reassured the public that all information collected would remain confidential and would solely be used for statistical purposes.
Expected Impact
The findings from the census are expected to address longstanding gaps in the education sector, including disparities in enrollment, infrastructure deficiencies, and teacher distribution challenges.
The data will also help assess the effectiveness of ongoing education policies and reforms.
As the BEC rolls out, authorities urge all educational institutions to fully participate, ensuring that Uganda’s education system is guided by accurate and comprehensive data.
