UBOS Inks MOU with Tooro Kingdom to boost Data Collection

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics and Tooro Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration for improved statistical development and production within the Kingdom.

The partnership will support the establishment of a Statistical Unit within the Kingdom to enhance the harmonization of concepts, definitions, and methodologies used in the collection, compilation, and dissemination of statistical information. The MoU also seeks to coordinate data collection activities to avoid duplication of efforts, while enhancing networking, data sharing, and the exchange of statistical information among suppliers, producers, and users of statistics within the Kingdom and the Bureau.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Executive Director of UBOS, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, noted that the Bureau implements the Plan for National Statistical Development, which is aligned to international, regional, and national development frameworks. “The Plan for National Statistical Development is a framework for strengthening the statistical capacity of the National Statistical System to support Uganda’s results-based development and policy agenda,” he emphasized.

Dr. Mukiza said the signing of the MoU demonstrates the Bureau’s commitment to coordinating the National Statistical System to ensure harmonized statistical production and efficient utilization of resources.

He further pledged that UBOS would equip Tooro Kingdom with the necessary technical capacity and equipment to support the full operationalization of the Statistical Unit. In a bid to strengthen data access and utilization, he also tasked UBOS staff to generate a statistical abstract for Tooro Kingdom using available data sources, particularly findings from the recently concluded National Population and Housing Census 2024 and the Baseline Education Census 2025 scheduled for dissemination later this month.

The Prime Minister (Omuhikirwa) of Tooro Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, welcomed the partnership, noting that access to area-specific data for all the nine counties of Tooro Kingdom would play a vital role in promoting evidence-based planning and decision-making.

“For us to plan effectively, prioritize correctly, and serve our people better, we must rely on accurate data, credible research, to make informed decisions. “Definitely, you cannot manage what you cannot measure,” he noted.

He added that the partnership comes at a critical time as the Kingdom strengthens its development agenda across sectors such as health, education, youth empowerment, culture, tourism, and economic transformation.

Accompanied by Hon. Joan Kantu, the Prime Minister thanked the Executive Director of UBOS and expressed confidence in the collaboration, noting that it would promote productive engagement, shared commitment, and improved planning for the benefit of the people of Tooro Kingdom.