By Felix Oketcho
Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) is set to embrace digital data collection systems in abid to build trusted and harmonised statistics in Uganda, TheSpy Uganda has learnt.
According to Chris Ndatira Mukiza a Ugandan statistician who is the Executive Director of UBOS, the government agency is aiming to phase out current archaic and outdated manual methods.
“We want to have comprehensive trusted and fast reliable data systems using electronic systems. This will replace old hectic data collection methods,” Mukiza said, “our electronic statistical data system intends to strengthen Ministries, Departments and Agencies to monitor and fast track National Development Plan Implementation and Sustainable Development Goals.”
He revealed that all Uganda MDAs generate 60% administrative data manually.
Mukiza was speaking at the Virtual 3rd United Nations Data Forum 2021 at Sheraton Kampala Hotel today’s morning.
Mukiza urged the government to invest in statistics collection systems to ensure planned projects and government programmes benefit the intended group.
“Statistics is the only weapon for government officials and districts leaders to account for the money spent on programmes. Programmes like parish village-model will not succeed if we do not statistical data of the people it is intended to benefit, “Mukiza stressed.
He however noted that UBOs Act will be reviewed to ensure all MDAs implement government programmes in line with empirical statistical data.
“…we have started stakeholders engagement to ensure that UBOs Act is reviewed. We want to come up with guidelines in the policy and investment regulations to ensure that all programmes by the government have statistical data for transparency, accountability and have impacts,” Mukuzi explained.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics is an agency of the Ugandan government. It was formed by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics Act of 1998. UBOS is mandated to coordinate, monitor and supervise Uganda’s national statistical system.
