Abstract

Uganda lacks a life table based on its population mortality experience. The absence of a life table based on Ugandan data hinders reliable estimation of mortality statistics. Currently, Uganda Bureau of Statistics relies on the Coale and Demeny regional model life tables. These model life tables have limitations: they are based on data from developed countries, and thus are not context specific partly due to differences in social and economic circumstances which often affect mortality. Similarly, the insurance sector in Uganda relies on foreign life tables.
We carried out a mortality survey to collect data to pilot the generation of a life table for Uganda. Specifically, the study aim was to estimating age - sex specific and cause of death specific mortality rates. This study used primary quantitative data obtained from a sample of 10,000 households in Iganga district.
We were able to demonstrate the feasibility of generating life tables using periodic mortality surveys. In this presentation we share our experience in conducting the survey and generating a sample life table.