Uganda Joins Africa to Celebrate Africa Statistics Week 2024

*By John Kusolo*

From 18th to 22nd November 2024, Uganda will join other African National Statistical Organizations (NSOs) in celebrating Africa Statistics Week, an annual event aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of quality statistics in national development. Organized by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), this year’s celebrations will run under the theme: “Supporting Education by Modernizing Production of Fit for Purpose Statistics.”

The week-long activities will highlight the critical role statistics play in achieving national goals and priorities. While 18th November is officially recognized as Africa Statistics Day across the continent, Uganda goes a step further by dedicating an entire week to celebrating statistical milestones, achievements, and innovations.

The celebrations will feature several events, each tailored to showcase the value of statistics in various sectors and foster collaborations among stakeholders. Key activities include:

High-Level Engagement (Monday, 18th November):

A platform for policy-makers, government agencies, and development partners to discuss and strategize on the integration of modernized statistics in national development.

Staff Skills Development (Tuesday, 19th November):

A session dedicated to building the capacity of statisticians and data handlers to adopt modern tools and methodologies in their work.

GIS Day (Wednesday, 20th November):

A celebration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their application in data collection, analysis, and decision-making processes.

Annual Gender Statistics Forum (Thursday, 21st November):

A forum to discuss gender-sensitive data collection and analysis, with the aim of promoting gender equity and empowerment.

National Statisticians’ Conference (Friday, 22nd November):

A gathering of statisticians from across the country to share experiences, innovations, and best practices in the field of data production and utilization.

In preparation for the week, UBOS hosted a Media Breakfast on 15th November 2024, attended by journalists and government communicators. This session aimed to strengthen the relationship between UBOS and the media, ensuring accurate reporting on statistics and related events.

Betty Nawoova, Acting Head of Media and Public Relations at UBOS, emphasized the Bureau’s commitment to fostering a collaborative platform for data production and utilization. “The Bureau, in line with its mandate, shall continuously avail a well-coordinated and inclusive platform necessary to take forward the gains of multi-stakeholder engagements on the data revolution,” she said.

Nawoova highlighted the importance of increasing the demand and usability of official statistics for sustainable development. She also expressed UBOS’s vision to institutionalize a High-Level National Data Forum as an annual event to celebrate data achievements under the mantra “Better Data for Better Lives.”

Moses Watasa, Commissioner for Information Dissemination at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, urged journalists to maintain integrity in their reporting, especially in the current era of misinformation and disinformation.

“Integrity in journalism means seeking truth, verifying facts, and presenting balanced perspectives. It means resisting sensationalism and clickbait headlines that distort reality,” Watasa stated. He further cautioned against compromising reporting standards, noting that inaccurate reporting can fuel division and erode trust in institutions.

Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by journalists, Watasa reminded them of their significant role in shaping public discourse. “Each of you has the power to influence societal attitudes and foster an informed citizenry,” he concluded.

Adding to the celebrations, Frank Baine, Spokesperson of Uganda Prisons Services, emphasized the critical role of data in monitoring inmate populations, demographics, and movements. “Statistics help us ensure adequate facilities, staffing, and resources, contributing to the overall efficiency of the correctional system,” he noted. Baine also called upon the media to decentralize statistical information for broader accessibility.

Africa Statistics Week is not only a time for statisticians to celebrate their profession but also an opportunity for the public to engage with and appreciate the role of statistics in national development. UBOS has demonstrated its commitment to fostering partnerships with state and non-state actors, ensuring inclusivity in the data production process, and enhancing the usability of statistics for decision-making.

As Uganda celebrates this week-long event, the focus remains on building a data-driven society where quality statistics inform policies, empower communities, and drive sustainable development.

“Together, we embrace ‘Better Data for Better Lives,’” UBOS concludes.