The Executive Director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Dr Chris N. Mukiza, has reaffirmed the central role of digitisation and collaboration in building a stronger, more reliable National Statistical System, urging institutions to embrace innovation in how they collect and manage administrative data.
Speaking during a public lecture held on Thursday at Statistics House—part of the activities to mark Africa Statistics Day 2025—Dr. Mukiza said digitisation is transforming institutional information management and improving the quality of official statistics.
“Digitisation transforms how institutions manage information and if effectively implemented, it eases the collection and harmonisation of administrative data across the National Statistical System,” he said. “It enhances accuracy, efficiency and accessibility, which are critical in improving data governance and accountability.”
He emphasised that Uganda must adapt quickly to technological progress. “As we advance into a data-driven era, digitisation has become essential in transforming how we collect, manage and use administrative data for statistical purposes. I urge all participants to use this public discourse as an opportunity to generate ideas that advance efficient collection and management of administrative data in Uganda.”
Dr Mukiza noted that public engagements such as the lecture are critical in strengthening the National Statistical System and ensuring that harmonised administrative data informs national planning, policy formulation, and monitoring of development outcomes.
He reaffirmed UBOS’ commitment to partnering with institutions that are modernising their data systems. Among the digital platforms praised were the Electronic Court Case Management System, the Crime Records Management System, and the Prisons Management Information System.
“These systems are practical examples of innovation in administrative data,” he said, calling on participants to “actively engage, share experiences, and identify actionable solutions to fast-track the integration of administrative data systems for better governance and planning.”
Strengthening Capacity Across Sectors
Dr Mukiza further urged universities collaborating with UBOS to integrate training on statistical communication into their academic modules. “Universities collaborating with the Bureau should include a module on communicating statistics to strengthen data appreciation and utilisation among stakeholders by ensuring that official statistics is simplified and user-friendly,” he said.
He also revealed that UBOS has established clear rules governing all surveys and censuses. “Any data intended for public use by government or NGOs must have its methodology and production process approved by the National Statistics Office to ensure credibility,” he noted.
According to Dr Mukiza, UBOS is working closely with the National Council for Higher Education to charter statistical courses while continuing to train university students to strengthen Uganda’s human resource capacity in national statistical production.
Under the Fourth Plan for National Statistical Development (PNSD IV), every Ministry, Department, and Agency is required to establish an operational Statistical Unit to support the generation of quality information.
Cultural Institutions Join the Statistical Transformation
Dr Mukiza highlighted new partnerships with cultural institutions to support their internal statistical systems. The Buganda Kingdom, for instance, has already produced its second Statistical Abstract, “Manya essazalyo”, supported by UBOS.
“UBOS is now extending similar support to other kingdoms such as Busoga, Bugisu, Rwenzururu, Bunyoro and others,” he said, adding that the Bureau is facilitating technical training for staff in these institutions.
In his concluding remarks, Dr Mukiza stressed that all Local Governments are now required to produce and submit Annual Statistical Abstracts to guide resource allocation. “The Annual Statistical Abstract is the outcome of deliberate and coordinated statistical work, making the most of available data resources to inform development priorities,” he said.
To support this effort, UBOS has issued tablets to Parish Chiefs and other local officials to collect real-time data. “This initiative enhances data collection, accuracy, and coordination at the lowest administrative levels, strengthening Uganda’s National Statistical System,” he remarked.
The public lecture, held under the theme “The Value of Statistics in Development”, also included a workshop on the digitalisation of administrative data, aligned with the broader agenda of Africa Statistics Day 2025.