KYANKWANZI — The National Leadership Institute (NALI) has passed out the fourth cohort of staff from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) after completing a four-week Transformative and Leadership Development Course aimed at strengthening patriotism, strategic thinking, ideological orientation and leadership capacity among public servants.
The graduation ceremony, held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at NALI in Kyankwanzi District, marked another milestone in UBOS’ efforts to develop a competent, disciplined and values-driven workforce capable of producing reliable official statistics to support Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Representing the UBOS Executive Director, Dr Chris N. Mukiza, Deputy Executive Director Dr Vincent Fred Ssenono congratulated the graduates upon completing the programme and challenged them to apply the leadership skills, values and principles acquired during the training in executing the Bureau’s mandate.
Speaking under the theme “Data as the Bedrock of National Transformation,” Dr Ssenono said the course had broadened participants’ understanding of Uganda’s development aspirations while strengthening their ability to contribute to national transformation through evidence-based statistics.
“The time you have spent at NALI has been about sharpening your understanding of Uganda and aligning your professional expertise with the country’s broader aspirations. You have not simply been here to learn statistics, but to better understand the nation you serve,” he said.
Dr Ssenono described NALI as a centre for leadership development that has nurtured many of Uganda’s political, military and public-sector leaders, noting that the institution continues to shape patriotic, disciplined and visionary public servants.
He reminded the graduates that UBOS plays a critical role in generating official statistics that guide national decision-making and urged them to ensure that data produced by the Bureau remains credible, timely and relevant to Uganda’s development priorities.
“Official statistics should extend beyond the production of reports. They must provide evidence that informs policy formulation, guides national planning and improves service delivery across sectors such as health, education and agriculture,” he said.
The UBOS deputy executive director said Uganda’s development aspirations under Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) require public servants who understand not only how to produce statistics but also the importance of using data to improve citizens’ livelihoods.
He challenged the graduates to become purpose-driven leaders by embracing strategic thinking, mentoring colleagues, upholding discipline, integrity and hard work, and serving as ambassadors of the values gained during their training.
“As custodians of Uganda’s official statistics, you have a responsibility to ensure that the data produced by the Bureau remains credible, timely and relevant to the country’s development agenda,” he emphasised.
Dr Ssenono commended the leadership and facilitators of NALI for their commitment to developing public-sector leaders and appreciated UBOS management for continued investment in staff capacity building.
He urged the graduates to return to their workplaces ready to apply the knowledge, leadership skills and patriotic values acquired during the programme to strengthen Uganda’s National Statistical System and support evidence-based decision-making across government.
NALI Commends UBOS Participants
The Director of NALI, Col Okei Rukogota, commended the UBOS participants for their discipline, patriotism and commitment throughout the four-week programme.
“I want to thank you for having been brilliant, willing and patriotic students throughout your stay here. Although I may not have spent much time with you physically, I received daily reports on your progress, your patriotic zeal and your commitment to the programme. I am delighted that you have emerged as such a great team,” he said.
Col Rukogota praised UBOS for entrusting NALI with the responsibility of nurturing transformational leaders who can contribute to Uganda’s national development agenda.
He also commended the NALI faculty and support staff for successfully conducting the course alongside other national leadership programmes involving participants from security agencies and government institutions.
Reflecting on the participants’ growth during the training, Col Rukogota encouraged them to view leadership as a continuous journey of service, learning and personal improvement.
“When you came here, you were different. Today, you leave with a deeper appreciation of leadership and national service. Leadership is never complete; it is continually refined through service, sacrifice and commitment. The true test of leadership is demonstrated in the struggles you overcome and the contribution you make to society,” he said.
The Transformative and Leadership Development Course is part of UBOS’ broader staff development programme aimed at building a new generation of transformational leaders capable of delivering quality official statistics to support national planning and sustainable development.
The ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates to the participants, who pledged to uphold patriotism, professionalism, discipline, integrity and excellence as they continue serving UBOS and the country.