The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has officially started a six-day training program for 284 enumerators to prepare for the Uganda Aquaculture Census 2025. The training began on May 6, 2025, at Collins Hotel in Mukono. This marks an important step in the preparation for a nationwide data collection exercise that will help shape the future of Uganda’s aquaculture sector.
The training was officially opened by Dr. Vincent Fred Ssenono, the Acting Executive Director of UBOS, who represented the Executive Director, Dr. Chris Mukiza. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ssenono encouraged the enumerators to work as a team and display high levels of professionalism, discipline, and integrity during their fieldwork. He emphasized that the Census comes at a time when the country needs accurate data to support planning and development, and that the enumerators play a crucial role in ensuring data quality.
The purpose of the training is to equip the enumerators with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct the Census effectively. The facilitators of the training are experts who recently completed a Training of Trainers (TOT) program held from April 24th to April 28th, 2025, at the Jinja Nile Resort Hotel. These trainers are now passing on what they learned to the enumerators through interactive sessions, demonstrations, and practical exercises.
During the training, enumerators are being introduced to various data collection tools and methods. They are also learning how to use digital devices to collect data and how to follow ethical guidelines, including maintaining confidentiality and respecting respondents. At the end of the training, the enumerators will take an oath of office and secrecy, as required by UBOS standards. This is to ensure that all information collected from aquaculture establishments is kept confidential and secure.
Once training is complete, the enumerators will be deployed across the country to begin collecting data for the Census. The Uganda Aquaculture Census 2025 aims to gather detailed and reliable information about fish farming in Uganda. The data will include the number and types of aquaculture farms (such as fish ponds, fish cages, pens, tanks, and small farm reservoirs), levels of fish production, types of technologies and systems used, and socio-economic details about the farm operators. The Census will also explore the environmental impact of aquaculture practices in the country.
UBOS is working closely with local government officials, especially District Planners and District Fisheries Officers, to ensure complete coverage of all aquaculture farms in Uganda. The Census will be conducted in all districts where aquaculture activities are taking place.
By collecting this information, UBOS will provide important statistics that will help government agencies, development partners, and stakeholders plan better for the aquaculture sector. This will lead to improved food security, job creation, and economic development.
The Census is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the aquaculture value chain through reliable data. It also reinforces UBOS’s role as Uganda’s national statistics agency responsible for coordinating and supervising the National Statistical System (NSS).
UBOS remains committed to producing high-quality and timely data that supports evidence-based decision-making. The Bureau urges all aquaculture farm owners and operators to cooperate fully with the enumerators by providing accurate and truthful information.
