Makerere University has rescheduled its second semester to accommodate the upcoming national population and housing census, citing force majeure as the reason for calendar adjustments.
The sixth census in Uganda is scheduled to take place from May 10 to May 20, 2024.
According to a circular dated April 4 addressed to all college principals, Academic Registrar Buyinza Mukadasi announced that the University Senate had approved the decision to modify the semester and examination schedule in compliance with a government directive.
Prof. Mukadasi stated, “The Semester II examinations will now commence on Tuesday, May 21, and conclude on June 11, 2024.”
In response to this change, all academic units within Makerere University have been urged to revise their teaching and examination timetables accordingly.
Unlike institutions following a semester system, those operating on terms, such as primary and secondary education levels, will remain unaffected, as the census coincides with their first term holiday period.
Schools are scheduled to break off for the first term holidays on May 3 and resume for the second term at the end of the month.
In November of the preceding year, the Ministry of Education and Sports issued a directive instructing all institutions to release their students to participate in the forthcoming national census.
The directive mandated all vice-chancellors to ensure that learners at all levels participate in the census activities.
According to the approved timeline, the census night is scheduled from May 9 to 10, with field enumeration occurring from May 10 to 20. During this period, all learners are expected to be at home for both the census night and the enumeration process.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) conducts a national census every ten years.
The last census in Uganda took place in 2014, revealing a population of 36 million. However, the current estimated population of Uganda stands at 48.9 million.
President Yoweri Museveni, while officially launching the 6th census, emphasized the significance of obtaining accurate data for the country’s development goals, particularly as Uganda progresses towards achieving its Vision 2040 objectives.
“As we work towards realizing Uganda’s Vision 2040, precise data regarding our people and resources is essential for informed planning,” stated President Museveni.
