- Eswatini adviced to establish strong coordination structures
BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – The Government of Eswatini has dispatched a delegation from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to Uganda on a benchmarking mission aimed at strengthening preparations for the Kingdom’s 2027 Population and Housing Census.
The week-long technical study tour a few weeks ago was to allow the delegation to examine how Uganda successfully planned, coordinated and implemented its 2024 National Population and Housing Census through the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).
The Eswatini delegation was led by Marilyn Phumlile Dlamini, who said the visit was intended to gather practical lessons that will help improve the country’s census preparations.
Digital technologies and coordinated systems
She commended Uganda’s use of digital technologies and coordinated systems during the 2024 census, highlighting real-time monitoring mechanisms as one of the key innovations that Eswatini hopes to adopt.
“The Bureau undertook extensive preparations, including establishing a situation room for 24-hour monitoring of data collection coverage,” she noted.
Dlamini also praised innovations such as the census dashboard, electronic recruitment, electronic payment systems and public communication strategies, describing them as best practices worthy of emulation.
Integrated approach to planning, supervision and real-time date tracking
She said Eswatini was particularly interested in Uganda’s integrated approach to planning, supervision and real-time data tracking, adding that the Kingdom hopes to strengthen technical cooperation with Uganda as preparations for the 2027 census gather momentum.
Uganda’s Chief Statistician, Dr Chris N. Mukiza, told the visiting delegation that strong Government support had been central to the success of that country’s national statistical operations, including the recently completed census.
He said political leadership had strengthened the institutional independence of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics while improving efficiency in data production.
Strengthened statistical independence and enabled smooth operations
“The President’s visionary leadership has strengthened statistical independence and enabled smooth operations through adequate resourcing,” Mukiza said.
He further revealed that Uganda financed about 98 percent of the 2024 National Population and Housing Census through Government resources, with development partners contributing only two percent.
According to Mukiza, the high level of domestic financing enhanced national ownership of the statistical process and ensured the successful implementation of the census.
Establish strong coordination structures
He advised Eswatini to establish strong coordination structures to guarantee complete enumeration during the 2027 exercise.
Mukiza highlighted Uganda’s governance model, which includes a National Census Council chaired by the Prime Minister, saying the arrangement had streamlined implementation across different sectors.
He also pointed to improvements in Uganda’s statistical infrastructure and human resource capacity, which have significantly enhanced efficiency in national data management.
Showcased Uganda’s tourism attractions
Beyond discussions on census operations, Mukiza showcased Uganda’s tourism attractions, including mountain gorillas, waterfalls, national parks and volcanic landscapes.
UBOS expressed confidence that the benchmarking visit would deepen cooperation between the two countries and provide Eswatini with valuable experience as it prepares for the successful implementation of its 2027 Population and Housing Census.
#Eswatini #Uganda #Census #Governments #PopulationCount #Benchmarking
