UBOS commissions 80 data collectors for 9th Uganda National Household Survey

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has commissioned 80 field data collectors to undertake the 9th Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) 2026/27, a nationwide exercise that will run for 12 months and generate vital socio-economic data to guide policy and national development planning.

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has commissioned 80 field data collectors to begin work on the 9th Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) 2026/27 after successfully completing a 15-day training programme.

The officers have been deployed into 16 field teams, each led by a supervisor. According to UBOS, the teams were constituted based on language proficiency to facilitate effective communication with respondents and enhance the quality and accuracy of data collected across different regions of the country.

The nationwide data collection exercise will run for 12 months, covering selected households and communities across Uganda.

While commissioning the teams, UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris N. Mukiza urged the data collectors to conduct themselves with professionalism, integrity and strict adherence to ethical standards throughout the survey.

He reminded the officers of their obligation to uphold both the Oath of Secrecy and the Oath of Office, stressing that all information collected during the exercise must remain confidential.

“You must ensure that the information you collect remains confidential. Do not disclose sources of data,” Dr. Mukiza said.

He further cautioned the officers against altering any information provided by respondents, noting that doing so would compromise the integrity and credibility of the survey findings.

“Record the information as it is given. Do not change anything. The data you collect is critical for planners and policymakers in improving the lives of Ugandans,” he emphasized.

Dr. Mukiza warned that indiscipline, misconduct and poor performance would not be tolerated, adding that officers who fail to meet the required standards risk dismissal from the exercise and could be barred from participating in future UBOS surveys.

He underscored that credible national statistics depend on accurate, objective and high-quality data collected from the field.

The Uganda National Household Survey is one of the country's flagship statistical programmes, providing comprehensive data on education, health, housing, employment, food security, consumption and other socio-economic indicators. The findings are used to assess poverty levels, monitor household welfare and inform evidence-based policy and development planning.

UBOS released the findings of the 8th Uganda National Household Survey in May 2025. The 9th round is expected to provide updated statistics to support policy formulation, planning, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes, while also informing public discourse and decision-making across government, the private sector and development partners.