Uganda’s 2025 Education Census Faces Hurdles in Kigezi Region
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) is encountering meaningful challenges in completing the 2025 National Baseline Education Census (NBEC), especially within the Kigezi sub-region. Launched in June 2025, this crucial census aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the nation’s education landscape. The data collected will directly influence policy decisions, resource allocation, and future planning within the education sector.
However, progress in Kigezi is currently hampered by two key factors: the ongoing national teachers’ strike and the region’s notoriously challenging terrain. let’s break down the situation and what it means for Uganda’s education future.
Understanding the National Baseline Education census (NBEC)
The NBEC isn’t just another data-gathering exercise. It’s a cornerstone initiative designed to:
* Inform Policy: Provide evidence-based insights for effective education policies.
* Guide Planning: Help the Ministry of Education and Sports strategically plan for future needs.
* Optimize Funding: Ensure resources are allocated where they are most needed to maximize impact.
* Assess Training Institutions: Include data from both schools and training institutions for a holistic view.
Phase Three of the census, which encompasses Kigezi, Karamoja, West Nile, Tooro, and Rwenzori regions, began recently. Unfortunately, data collection is proceeding slower than anticipated in certain areas.
The Impact of the Teachers’ Strike
The current industrial action by teachers, organized by the uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), is having a direct and detrimental effect on census efforts. Specifically, low student attendance in government primary schools – a direct result of the strike – is making it difficult for enumerators to gather accurate data.
As Stephen Baryahirwa, head of Social Surveys and Censuses at UBOS, explained, accessing learners is proving problematic when schools are largely empty. This disruption threatens the census’s ability to accurately represent the current state of primary education.
navigating Kigezi’s Challenging Terrain
Beyond the strike, Kigezi’s geographical landscape presents its own set of obstacles. The region is characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain. This makes it incredibly difficult for field teams to reach remote schools and communities.
Baryahirwa highlighted the logistical challenges, stating that accessing some schools feels like a significant undertaking. these accessibility issues are slowing down the data collection process and potentially impacting the completeness of the census.
Calls for Resolution and Stakeholder Support
UBOS is appealing to key stakeholders – including the media – to help facilitate a resolution to the teachers’ strike. Kauda Aliziki Lubega, UBOS Director of Economic Statistics, emphasized that the success of vital national programs like the NBEC relies on a stable and functioning education sector.
Essentially, a swift and amicable resolution to the strike is crucial not only for the teachers and students but also for the integrity of this important census.
What Does This Meen for uganda’s Education Future?
the 2025 NBEC is considered vital for long-term education planning and reform in Uganda. Prolonged disruptions to the census coudl significantly undermine its objectives.Accurate data is essential for making informed decisions about the future of education, and delays or incomplete data could lead to misdirected resources and ineffective policies.
Currently, UBOS has not announced any adjustments to the census timeline.However, the situation is being closely monitored.
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