Kisoro — The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has leveraged the launch of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign in the Kigezi Sub-region to release crucial insights from the National Population and Housing Census 2024 Final Report, underscoring significant social and digital progress in Kisoro District.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Dr Chris N. Mukiza, the UBOS Executive Director and Chief Statistician, confirmed that the district now has a total population of 433,662 persons. Dr Mukiza stated that the latest figures illustrate a district rapidly modernising and making substantial social gains across key indicators.
Surging Digital Access and Health Progress
The census data highlights Kisoro’s increasing digital integration: a total of 85,092 individuals aged 10 years and above now own mobile phones, and 8,840 individuals in the same age bracket utilise the Internet.
“This is a clear indication of the district’s growing digital access and readiness for the modern economy,” Dr Mukiza noted.
Progress in public health and welfare is also evident, particularly in malaria prevention: 73,427 households own at least one mosquito net, pointing to strengthened efforts against the disease.
Advances in Water, Sanitation, and Energy
UBOS figures reflect steady improvements in household welfare and sustainable energy adoption: 62,142 households now have access to improved water sources, and 27,513 households have access to improved sanitation facilities.
Energy access is also shifting, with a marked uptake of sustainable options: 27,264 households utilise grid electricity for lighting, and 18,357 households rely on solar power, demonstrating an “increasing uptake of sustainable, alternative energy solutions.”
Call for Accelerated Road Investment
Despite the positive socio-economic trends, Dr. Mukiza emphasized that accelerated investment in the district’s transport network remains an urgent necessity.
“While the statistics show commendable progress across multiple sectors, there is an urgent need to improve the district’s road infrastructure,” he stressed. Dr Mukiza argued that better roads are vital for effective service delivery, economic activity, and, critically, for unlocking Kisoro’s unique tourism potential.
He concluded that with natural attractions like mountain gorillas and crater lakes, improved transport would significantly boost tourism, driving both local and national economic growth.
