Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has donated 4,050 tablets and six computers to religious and cultural institutions, among others, in a move aimed at strengthening data collection and research at the grassroots level.
The devices, which were previously used during the 2024 National Housing and Population Census, are expected to enhance technology-driven data production and dissemination to support national planning and policy formulation.
Among the beneficiaries, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) received 3,500 tablets and three computers, Bugisu Kingdom 250 tablets, Rwenzururu Kingdom 150 tablets, and Bunyoro Kingdom three computers. The National Planning Authority (NPA), Presidential CEO Forum (PCF), and Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) each received 50 tablets.
Ubos Executive Director Chris Mukiza said the donation is part of efforts to strengthen administrative data systems and ensure accurate recording of vital statistics such as births, deaths, marriages, and migration. “If the devices are used well in the coming census, we may only need to sample a few households to obtain additional socio-economic characteristics. This will help the country avoid spending more resources because we will already have reliable information,” Dr Mukiza said in an interview yesterday.
He urged religious leaders and cultural institutions to utilise the gadgets effectively, emphasising the importance of accurate data collection across communities.
“We have about 27,730 churches in Uganda, yet we remain among the poorest countries. We need to encourage our people not only to gather for worship but also to engage in productive work that improves livelihoods,” he said. Dr Mukiza added that the government plans to establish a more centralised statistical information system to address gaps experienced during the 2024 census and improve development planning.
Leaders of the beneficiary institutions welcomed the donation, pledging to use the equipment to strengthen research and community development initiatives.
Dr Clet Wandui Masiga, the deputy prime minister of Bugisu Kingdom, said the kingdom is currently collecting data to guide development interventions targeting 2.6 million people across 250 sub-counties. “We need gadgets to help generate credible data. We are advancing research on how to improve livelihoods, especially for older persons in Bugisu,” Dr Masiga said, calling for the expansion of data collection centres across the country.
Likewise, Rwenzururu Kingdom Prime Minister Benson Kule Baritazale underscored the importance of research in addressing poverty and social challenges.
“Our queen’s foundation initiative conducts research on issues such as girl child education and domestic violence, but progress has been hindered by a lack of equipment for effective data collection,” he said. Dr Ruth Biyinzika Kasolo, a board member of the PCF, emphasised the need to align research and policy agendas with digital transformation.
“We can no longer afford to be left behind by digitalisation. Whether in religious institutions or the private sector, growth today depends on access to timely and accurate information,” she said. Pastor Joseph Serwadda, a member of IRCU, said the council has established a statistics unit to collect data on its membership to better understand community challenges.
