In a significant leap towards Uganda’s digital transformation journey, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) successfully conducted the country’s first-ever digital national population and housing census in May. This milestone marked a radical shift from traditional data collection methods and showcases the transformative power of digital tools in public sector operations.
For the first time, the census data was collected, processed, and analyzed digitally, enabling UBOS to release preliminary results in a record-breaking time of just one month. This rapid turnaround represents a significant improvement over the manual processes used in previous censuses, which could take months, if not years, to finalize.
This remarkable achievement was facilitated by UBOS’s partnership with MTN Uganda, a key enabler in the country’s digitalization journey. The telco provided the critical digital infrastructure required for seamless data collection through its extensive network and advanced digital technologies.
Highlighting the role of MTN Uganda during the census, Ivan Atwiine, Head of Digital Solutions at UBOS said, “MTN provided internet access at our data center, enabling us to conduct more advanced analyses and secure cloud storage as a backup solution.” He added, “We appreciate the support from MTN and thank them for playing their role in the digital transformation of Uganda.”
“For us as digital players in the market, underscoring the significance of such partnerships in shaping Uganda’s digital future,” concludes Atwiine.
The introduction of digital tools in the census process reduced the time & effort required to gather data increasing accuracy, and security, ensuring that the final data set is more reliable. This was a critical step in ensuring that Uganda can access accurate population insights faster, aiding in better planning and policy-making at both the local and national levels.
As one of the key drivers of Uganda’s digital transformation, the telecommunication firm continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and technologies that enable institutions like UBOS to embrace digital solutions. These investments align with MTN’s commitment to lead digital solutions for Uganda’s progress, which encompasses digital innovations that enhance operations for public and private sector players under the initiative “business done better”.
See also: ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin applauds Uganda’s digital transformation roadmap
As Uganda celebrates the success of its first digital census, the implications extend far beyond this single project. The efficiency and accuracy demonstrated by UBOS offer a blueprint for other digital initiatives, from e-governance to healthcare digitization.
Moving forward, UBOS and MTN’s collaboration could serve as a model for other public sector players looking to harness technology for public sector innovation.
