The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has officially launched a weeklong celebration to mark Africa Statistics Day 2025, under the theme “Leveraging Innovations in Data and Statistics to Promote a Just, Peaceful, Inclusive, and Prosperous Society for Africans.”
The week’s activities, which were unveiled at Statistics House in Kampala, will run from November 12 to 18, 2025, featuring a series of engagements designed to highlight innovations in statistical production, strengthen collaboration with the media, and support community causes through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Speaking at the launch, Didacus Okoth, the Principal Public Relations Officer at UBOS, said the Bureau’s celebrations go beyond a single day to emphasise the vital role statistics play in shaping Uganda’s development agenda. “As we approach Africa Statistics Day scheduled for 18th November 2025, UBOS has launched a week-long calendar of events to demonstrate statistical products and outputs,” Okoth said. “This period strengthens the interface between UBOS and the various stakeholders.”
Okoth explained that Uganda’s celebration of a full week—rather than just a single day like many other countries—is deliberate, reflecting UBOS’s commitment to promoting the use of quality statistical data in planning and evidence-based decision-making.
“Unlike other countries, UBOS celebrates a whole week to promote the use of quality statistical data in planning and decision-making—not just at the government level but across the private sector, academia, and civil society,” he noted.
According to UBOS, this year’s Africa Statistics Week will spotlight innovations in data collection, analysis, and dissemination. The Bureau will showcase the latest technological advancements aimed at improving the quality, timeliness, and accessibility of official statistics in Uganda.
“We are highlighting innovations that are transforming how we collect, process, and share data,” Okoth said. “Our goal is to enhance the quality of statistical production in Uganda while ensuring that this information reaches every Ugandan who needs it.”
As part of its outreach, UBOS has pledged to work closely with the media, recognising journalists as key partners in making statistical information understandable and accessible to the public. “UBOS will collaborate with the fourth estate to share statistical information,” Okoth stated. “Media partners are crucial in disseminating data to the wider public, and this engagement continues throughout the week and beyond.”
The Bureau also announced several corporate social responsibility activities, including blood donation drives in partnership with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services. Donations will take place at Statistics House, as well as regional offices in Gulu and Mbarara, and selected Kampala locations, including the Fire Brigade on Entebbe Road and Luwum Street.
“This is part of UBOS’s contribution to the community,” Okoth said. “We encourage both our staff and members of the public to participate in the blood donation drives to help save lives.”
Another key highlight of the week will be the celebration of Geo-Information Systems (GIS) Day, where UBOS will demonstrate how spatial data is being used to visualise and map national statistics.
“GIS is a vital part of our statistical production,” Okoth explained. “We shall showcase data mapped across Uganda—from regions and sub-regions down to constituencies, sub-counties, and parishes. This helps policymakers and planners see the real picture of development across the country.”
UBOS will also host the Annual Gender Statistics Forum, focusing on how data informs inclusive policy formulation. The forum will explore how gender-disaggregated data reflects the realities of men, women, children, the elderly, and other groups, ensuring that national plans and programs leave no one behind.
“Gender is central to nearly every aspect of life, and our statistics reflect this,” Okoth said. “Our data supports inclusive policy-making and helps shape interventions that respond to the needs of all Ugandans.”
The Bureau further announced that all activities for Africa Statistics Week will be streamed live on major television stations and UBOS social media platforms, allowing the public to participate virtually.
UBOS Executive Director Dr Chris Mukiza is expected to preside over the Africa Statistics Day celebrations on November 18, marking the culmination of a week dedicated to advancing data-driven governance and development.
In a statement, UBOS reaffirmed its commitment to using modern data production technologies to generate reliable, quality statistics for planning and decision-making. “This year’s theme resonates deeply with our mission to harness innovation for better statistics,” the statement read. “By leveraging data and technology, we aim to promote a just, peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society for all Ugandans.”