national 19 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
UBOS Partners with Cultural Institutions to Enhance Decentralized Data Collection
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) is collaborating with cultural institutions like kingdoms to shift from centralized data production to a decentralized model, improving data quality, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. This approach empowers local entities to manage their own statistics while UBOS maintains a national database. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/cultural-institutions-tipped-to-boost-data-collection-quality-5396212
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) is forging partnerships with cultural institutions nationwide to revolutionize data collection. Executive Director Dr. Chris Mukiza announced a move away from centralized systems toward a liberalized, decentralized framework where local groups produce and own their statistics.
Speaking during a meeting with the Toro Kingdom’s prime minister in Kampala, Dr. Mukiza emphasized that much vital data originates from local administrative operations. These partnerships, formalized through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), focus on digitizing processes to boost efficiency and support sustainable development.
Under this model, cultural institutions will establish their own statistical units with UBOS providing technical assistance, especially in digitization. Local entities retain detailed data for targeted interventions, while UBOS aggregates it into a central national database.
Dr. Mukiza highlighted improved community response rates when data comes from trusted kingdom leaders rather than external enumerators. This reduces costs by minimizing the need to deploy teams from Kampala and enables quick identification of issues like declining coffee production through local censuses.
The initiative is budget-neutral, promising long-term savings and better utilization of statistics. UBOS plans regional offices in areas like Busoga, Rwenzori, and Teso to oversee collaborations.
Toro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomire Akiik noted the partnership’s roots in 2024 and expressed readiness to implement it via an MOU for better planning and impact measurement.
Dr. Mukiza warned that statistical agencies ignoring such modernization risk obsolescence across Africa.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)