Dr. Chris Mukiza, Executive Director and Chief Statistician of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), is representing Uganda at the 56th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council Statistical Commission in New York.
The four-day conference, running from March 4th to 7th, 2025, serves as a global platform for discussions on statistical production and development among National Statistical Offices (NSOs) worldwide.
Dr. Mukiza emphasized the significance of this year’s session in fostering dialogue on statistical development, production, and dissemination, which play a crucial role in socio-economic transformation.
He cautioned against duplicating the functions of National Statistics Boards and regional frameworks such as the African Charter for Official Statistics, which oversee compliance with fundamental principles of official statistics.
He stressed that decisions made during the session would shape the future of statistical demands and ensure timely responses to data needs. Mukiza highlighted the importance of providing quality data to address developmental gaps and support informed policymaking and resource allocation.
The commission is expected to deliberate on key resolutions, including the 2030 World Population and Housing Census Program and the System of National Accounts 2025.
Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs underscored the historical significance of these programs in measuring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their role in monitoring the 2030 Agenda.
He highlighted the importance of population and housing censuses and noted that the updated System of National Accounts 2025 would enhance the measurement of the digital and global economy while contributing to GDP discussions.
Dr. Mukiza was accompanied by Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, UBOS Board Member; Dr. Sam Mugume, Assistant Commissioner at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED); Mr. Samuel Echoku, Head of the Department of Economic Statistics; Mr. Johnson Galande, Senior Statistician; and Ms. Karen Akampa, IT Officer.