By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: Representing Makerere University, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi who is also a Board Member at Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) expressed gratitude to UBOS for the donation of 700 tablets of the 5,195 given out by the Agency to enhance the efficient conduct of statistical activities, including data collection, research, and analysis Institutions of Higher Learning.
Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, who also represented the Chairperson of the UBOS Board, made this remark during the release of the tablets.
According to Dr. Kabagenyi, a total of 3,025 tablets have distributed to 10 government-funded institutions of higher learning. She stated that, with this, Makerere University will continuously take a significant milestone statistical development.
Dr. Kabagenyi emphasized the importance of this investment in the Makerere’s academic environment, which is increasingly shaped by data-driven inquiry, research, digital access, and remote/blended learning. She noted that this gesture is vital in enabling higher institutions of learning to meet the expectations of 21st-century training and skilling.
On behalf of UBOS, she highlighted the significance of partnership and collaboration between public institutions and the Bureau in building a skilled, informed, and innovative generation to achieve national and global development goals. She particularly noted that in a country like Uganda with one of the youngest populations, this donation reflects a commitment to leveraging technology for development.
Dr. Kabagenyi extended her gratitude to the Government of Uganda for facilitating the digital National Population Census, the UBOS Board, Executive Director Dr. Mukiza, Management, and Staff for their great gesture to government-funded higher institutions of learning. She emphasized that this donation will strengthen the country’s capacity in education, statistical training, research, and development.
In his remarks, The Executive Director of Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Dr. Chris Ndatira Mukiza, highlighted the significance of a comprehensive National Statistical System that includes producers, suppliers, users, training institutions, academia, and non-state actors. He noted that UBOS has a good working relationship with cultural institutions, having signed MOUs with several kingdoms, including Buganda, Bunyoro, and Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu, with Busoga also coming onboard.
Dr. Mukiza emphasized the purpose of the tablets being distributed, stating, “Our expectation is that we are giving you these tablets for you to strengthen data collection in your jurisdictions, strengthen teaching in universities and higher institutions of learning, and data sharing.” He encouraged recipients to utilize the vast amount of data available at UBOS, noting that “what has been lacking is that you have a lot of data produced and it is kept, that’s not very good. We want this statistics to be utilized and have impact on the development of this country.”
The UBOS Executive Director also highlighted the availability of data on the UBOS website and encouraged users to visit and provide feedback on how data sharing can be improved. He mentioned that UBOS has agreed to share 10% of census data with recipients for use in analytical work and surveys, emphasizing that UBOS data is a public good generated using public funds but must be used in accordance with statistical regulations.
Dr. Mukiza further informed the recipients that UBOS had procured 120,000 tablets for use during the National Population and Housing Census, and the tablets being distributed are part of the post-census utilization efforts. He stated, “Today, while we were procuring the tablets, we informed the country that we have post-census utilization, so one of the utilization is for you who are involved in statistical production, analysis, and teaching to have them and utilize them optimally.”
Representing Cultural Institutions, The Omuhikirwa w’Obukama Bwa Bunyoro Kitara, Owekitinisa Andrew Byakutaga, expressed gratitude for the tablets donated by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) to support the kingdom’s statistical functions. He noted that the kingdom has been collaborating with UBOS to establish a statistical unit, a process that is still underway.
Byakutaga emphasized the importance of cultural institutions adapting to modern times, stating, “For very many people when you hear Kingdoms or cultural institutions, you think about back cloth, drumming and dancing, we’re cultural institutions living in a very modern era and therefore embrace this opportunity.” He highlighted the kingdom’s efforts to work with UBOS, particularly with the Executive Director and staff, to process and utilize the data collected.
He noted that cultural institutions are known for oral data, passed down through generations, but believe it is essential to collect and process this data properly for use. Byakutaga thanked the government of Uganda for providing the tablets, expressing confidence that they will be used for their intended purpose.
On behalf of cultural institutions, Byakutaga appreciated the collaboration with UBOS and the support received, believing that the tablets will enhance data collection and statistical activities in the kingdom.
BELOW ARE INSTITUTIONS AND TABLETS RECEIVED
Buganda Kingdom, 1000.
Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, 550.
Busoga Kingdom, 500.
Rwenzururu Kingdom, 120.
National Council for higher Education 75.
Makerere University, 700.
Kyambogo University, 350.
Lira University, 200.
Gulu University, 200.
10 Kabale University, 200.
Mbarara University of Science and Technology, 350.
Busitema University, 200.
Uganda National Institute for Teachers Education, 200.
Soroti University, 150.
Makerere University Business School, 250.
Muni University, 150.
Well-processed, accurate, and safely stored data is crucial for informed decision-making, research, and development. The collaboration between UBOS, government institutions like Makerere University, and cultural institutions demonstrate a commitment to leveraging technology for development and building a skilled, informed, and innovative generation.
Effective data utilization and sharing will drive progress further strengthening Uganda’s capacity in education, statistical training, research, and development.