Dr Mukiza Calls for Statistical Independence at UN Economic and Social Council Session

New York, USA – The Executive Director and Chief Statistician of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Dr. Chris Mukiza, has emphasised the need for professional independence within the statistical fraternity.

Speaking at the recently concluded 56th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council Statistical Commission in New York, Dr Mukiza urged countries to strengthen internal capacity for data collection and reduce reliance on external technical support.

Addressing concerns over funding cuts to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), he cited Uganda’s success in conducting its 7th UDHS round without external technical assistance as a model for self-reliance.

He encouraged nations to invest in statistical infrastructure, build internal expertise, and benchmark best practices to improve technical capacity in official statistics production.

Dr Mukiza underscored the role of robust statistical systems in informed policy-making and resource allocation, emphasising the importance of global collaboration to address statistical gaps hindering national development.

“The discussions and decisions at this 56th Session of the UN Statistical Commission will shape a new era in understanding statistical demands and ensuring timely data responses,” he noted.

Uganda’s active participation in the session reinforced its commitment to building a “World-Class National Statistics Office” and advancing statistical development beyond Africa. Dr. Mukiza’s advocacy for statistical independence and capacity-building aligns with global efforts to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This year’s 56th Session focused on two major initiatives: the 2030 World Population and Housing Census Programme and the System of National Accounts 2025.

According to Mr. Li Junhua, UN Undersecretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, these programs are essential for monitoring SDG progress and tracking global economic trends, including the digital economy.

“The decisions made at this Session are expected to influence how countries approach data collection, analysis, and reporting in the years ahead,” he said.

As the session concluded on March 7, 2025, Uganda’s contributions—particularly its self-sufficient UDHS implementation—were highlighted as a benchmark for other nations.

Dr. Mukiza’s call for harmonized administrative data, capacity-building, and strategic investments in statistical systems reaffirmed Uganda’s leadership in leveraging data for national development.

The UN Economic and Social Council Statistical Commission is a key global event that sets the standards for national and international statistical systems. Held annually, it provides a platform for member states to discuss emerging statistical challenges, share best practices, and agree on resolutions that guide statistical work globally.

The Commission’s core objectives are to ensure that national and international statistical systems are capable of responding to the evolving needs of policy makers, researchers and the public.