Uganda has called for greater independence and professionalism in official statistics, emphasizing the need for countries to build their own technical capacity rather than relying on external support.
This message was delivered by Dr. Chris Mukiza, the Executive Director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), during the 56th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Statistical Commission in New York.
Dr. Mukiza highlighted Uganda’s recent achievement in conducting its 7th Demographic and Health Survey without external technical assistance, showcasing the country’s progress in strengthening its statistical systems.
He urged other nations to invest in internal capacity to ensure that official statistics remain objective, reliable, and free from external influence. “Statistics should be independent of political and financial pressures to maintain credibility and serve as a foundation for effective policymaking,” he stated.
The session brought together global experts to discuss key statistical priorities, including the 2030 World Population and Housing Census Programme and the revision of the System of National Accounts 2025. These initiatives are critical in tracking economic trends, measuring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and guiding policy decisions at national and international levels.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, emphasized the importance of high-quality data in global development efforts.
He noted that timely and reliable statistics are essential for addressing social and economic challenges, improving governance, and ensuring accountability in public administration.
Uganda has been actively participating in global statistical discussions, advocating for best practices that ensure data accuracy and integrity.
Dr. Mukiza reaffirmed UBOS’s commitment to professionalizing statistics, strengthening Uganda’s data collection mechanisms, and fostering collaboration with international partners.
He also underscored the need for investment in digital technologies and innovative data collection methods to improve efficiency and broaden data coverage.
As countries worldwide work towards enhancing their statistical systems, Uganda’s experience serves as a model for self-reliance in data production. Dr. Mukiza’s remarks reinforced the importance of building robust national statistics offices that can independently generate and analyze data critical for informed decision-making.
The UN Statistical Commission continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global statistical standards and methodologies.
Uganda’s active engagement in these discussions highlights its commitment to strengthening its statistical institutions and contributing to global efforts for data-driven development.
