UBOS Kicks Off Africa Statistics Week (12‑21 Nov) Ahead of 35th African Statistics Day Celebration
In a weeklong celebration, Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) spotlights innovation, inclusivity, and data for development.
Kampala,Uganda
- Launch of Africa Statistics Week
UBOS officially launched its Africa Statistics Week on 12 November 2025, running through to 21 November 2025.
The national celebration aligns with the continental observance of African Statistics Day on 18 November 2025.
- Theme & Vision
This year’s theme: “Leveraging Innovations in Data and Statistics to Promote a Just, Peaceful, Inclusive, and Prosperous Society for Africans.”
According to UBOS, the bureau is committed to modernizing data production through technology, improving statistical quality, and making data more accessible and trustworthy.
- Key Activities & Events
UBOS has scheduled a robust program of activities during the week:
Dissemination of the National Governance, Peace, and Security Survey Report.
Media engagement forums to improve statistical literacy and collaboration with journalists.
Blood donation drives, in partnership with Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, as part of UBOS’s CSR activities.
GIS Day celebration, highlighting spatial data and how mapping technologies are used for statistical insight.
Annual Gender Statistics Forum, focusing on gender-disaggregated data and how it supports inclusive policy-making.
All the week’s events will be streamed live on national TV and UBOS social media to maximize reach.
- Leadership Messages
Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, Executive Director and Chief Statistician at UBOS, emphasized that innovation in data collection and dissemination is central to UBOS’s mission.
Didacus Okoth, Principal Public Relations Officer at UBOS, noted that this weeklong celebration reflects a deeper engagement with stakeholders — not just government, but academia, civil society, and the public.
Okoth also urged public participation in the blood donation drives and other community activities.
- Call for Authentic Data
UBOS is calling on Ugandans and African statistical systems more broadly to prioritize authentic, verified data, particularly in an age rife with misinformation.
Building trust in official statistics, according to UBOS, is critical for evidence-based policy, sustainable development, and governance.
Why It Matters
Evidence-based planning: Reliable data informs policy decisions, resource allocation, and national development — UBOS is pushing for stronger statistical systems.
Inclusivity & social cohesion: Through gender statistics and community dialogues, UBOS hopes to ensure data reflects all segments of society, including marginalized groups.
Health & CSR: The blood donation drive is not just symbolic — it’s a concrete way for UBOS to engage communities and contribute to public health.
Technological transformation: By highlighting GIS and other data innovations, UBOS is signaling that the future of national statistics lies in spatial data, digital tools, and modern production methods.
Trust in data: In a time when misinformation can drive public discourse, UBOS’s push for “authentic data” is a timely reminder that official statistics are foundational to good governance.
What to Watch (Upcoming / Key Moments)
18 November 2025 — African Statistics Day: The peak of the week’s celebration; likely to include high-level remarks, reports, and possibly the release of major statistical publications.
GIS Day events: Watch for live demonstrations, spatial data visualizations, and how GIS is used in real policy contexts.
Gender Statistics Forum: Expect discussions around gender-disaggregated data, policy implications, and how to bridge data gaps for more inclusive planning.
Blood donation drive locations: Key points of participation include Statistics House (Kampala), regional offices in Gulu and Mbarara, and select public spaces — good opportunities for community engagement.
Media engagements: UBOS’s collaboration with journalists during the week could yield interesting data stories, infographics, and accessible statistical narratives.
