NUDIPU Criticizes Uganda’s 2024 Census Data on Persons with Disabilities

15 October 2024, 12:23 pm

By Annet Nakato.

The National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) has expressed strong discontent over the recently released data from the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, which reported a significantly lower prevalence of disability than previous estimates.

In a press conference held today, NUDIPU, alongside other disability rights organizations, lead by the Executive Director,Esther Kyozira ejected the findings of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), which recorded the national prevalence of disability at 5.7%. This figure, according to NUDIPU, is not only erroneous but also downplays the true extent of disability in the country.

The census, released on October 3, 2024, indicated Uganda’s total population at 45.9 million, with 23.4 million males and 22.4 million females. However, the disability prevalence rate, as reported in the census, has sparked outrage among the disability community.

NUDIPU claims the figure is “frivolous” and “obnoxious,” calling for a revision of the data to reflect a more accurate representation.

Kyozira said that the 2014 Census reported a disability prevalence of 12.4%, while the 2017 Uganda Functional Difficulties Survey estimated the figure to be as high as 16.5%.

NUDIPU argues that, given the increasing number of disability-related cases—attributed to road accidents, mental health conditions, and other factors—the disability rate should be higher than previously reported, not reduced.

Kyozira has called on UBOS to revisit its methodology and work with organizations representing persons with disabilities to ensure that future data accurately reflects the challenges faced by this growing segment of Uganda’s population.