Namibian Delegation Benchmarks Uganda’s Statistical Best Practices

A 13-member delegation from Namibia’s National Population Council (NPC), led by Director of Monitoring and Evaluation Roux L. Sampati, has been hosted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) during their benchmarking visit.

The delegation is in Uganda for a seven-day study under the Twende Mbele programme in the Office of the Prime Minister to learn from UBOS’s strategies in planning, implementing, and monitoring surveys, censuses, and overseeing the National Statistical System (NSS).

UBOS Executive Director, Dr Chris Mukiza, welcomed the delegation, highlighting the Bureau’s success in coordinating Uganda’s NSS.

He emphasised that UBOS’s best practices enabled the timely dissemination of digital census results within four months of enumeration. He also underscored the Bureau’s commitment to ensuring accessible and transparent data in line with international statistical principles.

Dr. Mukiza revealed that UBOS is preparing for an Education Census to gather comprehensive data on learners for informed decision-making in the education sector.

He outlined the Bureau’s data sources—surveys, censuses, and administrative records—while hinting at plans to leverage big data analytics in future statistical initiatives.

Guided by the Plan for National Statistical Development (PNSD), UBOS ensures an integrated, harmonised, and coordinated NSS, which informs the Bureau’s strategic direction.

Florence Mbabazi, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Office of the Prime Minister, expressed gratitude to UBOS for hosting the delegation and acknowledging its role in providing quality statistics for national development.

She noted that the benchmarking visit would enhance the delegation’s capacity in planning, budgeting, performance assessment, and statistical comprehension.

Speaking on behalf of the Namibian delegation, Mr Sampati appreciated UBOS for the opportunity to learn best practices in bridging data gaps.

He highlighted the critical role of data in monitoring and evaluation, affirming their intent to adopt Uganda’s effective planning and assessment methodologies. He also commended the Twende Mbele programme for facilitating the visit.

This engagement underscores Uganda’s leadership in statistical management and its contribution to strengthening data-driven governance across Africa.