By Aulah Najjuuka
At a time when technology is permeating every aspect of our life in the digital era, Aburu Sophie Ouma is a living example of how innovation, education, and youth can coexist. Sophie, as she likes to be called, is a second-year student seeking a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Uganda Christian University(UCU) , but she is not limited to the abstract world of academics. Her recent participation in the first-ever digitalized census in the country demonstrates her dedication to real-world experience and community involvement.
Sophie, who first became aware of the national census ten years ago, saw an opportunity in this decade’s iteration. “I remember hearing about the population census back in 2014 when I was still young,” she recalls. “When the chance came to participate this year, I seized it. It was an invaluable opportunity to enrich my CV and be part of a historic digital milestone for our country.”
The recruitment process for the census was entirely online, a fitting prelude to the digital nature of the endeavour itself. In order to submit their applications, candidates had to register on the National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) website. Sophie applied in the middle of March, going up against thousands of other applicants in the competitive hiring process. She says, “We participated in a nine-day training workshop.” “During this time, we were thoroughly guided through the questionnaires and trained to handle various scenarios we might encounter in the field.”
Placed in the Kirowooza as her enumeration area (Kirowooza ‘K’), Sophie had numerous difficulties. “The weather conditions were often unfavourable, and the facilitation in the field wasn’t always optimal,” she says. “Homes with large numbers of residents required a significant amount of time due to the lengthy questionnaires.” Sophie remained unwavering in her determination in spite of these setbacks. “The overall response from the population was incredibly positive and welcoming, which made the effort worthwhile.”
Sophie’s journey as an enumerator was not just about data collection; it was a profound learning experience that she plans to leverage for future endeavours. “I’ve always had a business venture in mind, and I plan on saving up and exploring this idea further,” she says with a hopeful smile. “Fingers crossed.”
Her experience with the census has also given the young computer science student a unique insight on the nexus between technology and public service. Participating in the nation’s first digital census has brought attention to how crucial technology skills are to contemporary governance and societal advancement. It was more than simply a summer job for Sophie; it was an opportunity to see how her future career can affect her nation and neighbourhood.
Reflecting on her experience, Sophie emphasises the importance of practical involvement for students. “Engaging in activities outside the classroom, especially those that serve the public, adds immense value to one’s education. It prepares you for real-world challenges and fosters a sense of civic responsibility.”
As Sophie continues her studies at UCU, she remains an inspiration to her peers. Her story is a powerful reminder that education is not confined to textbooks and lectures but is enriched by real-world experiences and contributions to society. In an era where digital advancements are rapidly transforming our world, Aburu Sophie Ouma exemplifies the spirit of youthful innovation and community service.
With her eyes set on future business ventures and a career in computer science, Sophie’s journey is only beginning. Her participation in the digital census is but a chapter in a promising narrative of growth, learning, and impactful service.
