The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has begun a full week of celebrations leading up to Africa Statistics Day 2025, rolling out activities under the theme “Leveraging Innovations in Data and Statistics to Promote a Just, Peaceful, Inclusive, and Prosperous Society for Africans.”
Launching the events at Statistics House in Kampala, UBOS announced that the programme will run from November 12 to 18, 2025, featuring engagements that showcase innovations in statistical work, enhance cooperation with the media, and promote community welfare through corporate social responsibility drives.
UBOS Principal Public Relations Officer, Didacus Okoth, said the expanded celebration underscores the growing importance of statistics in steering Uganda’s development goals.
“As we prepare for Africa Statistics Day on November 18, UBOS has lined up a week of activities aimed at displaying our statistical products and outputs,” Okoth said. “This approach helps deepen our engagement with key stakeholders.”
He added that Uganda’s choice to dedicate a full week—rather than just one day like many other countries—reflects UBOS’s determination to champion the use of high-quality statistics for national planning and evidence-based decision-making.
UBOS reaffirmed that it is embracing modern technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy in data production.
“This year’s theme strongly aligns with our drive to use innovation to improve statistics,” Okoth noted. “By using new tools and technologies, we hope to promote a just, peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous society for every Ugandan.”
Throughout the week, UBOS will spotlight new approaches in data collection, analysis, and dissemination. The Bureau will present advanced technologies designed to improve the accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility of official statistics.
“We are showcasing the innovations transforming how we collect and share data,” Okoth said. “Our objective is to enhance the quality of statistical production in Uganda and ensure that everyone who needs this information can access it.”
UBOS also committed to strengthening its partnership with the media, acknowledging the press as a vital link between data producers and the public.
“UBOS will continue working closely with the fourth estate,” Okoth stated. “Journalists play an essential role in communicating statistical information, and our collaboration will continue during and after this week.”
As part of its community outreach, UBOS announced blood donation drives in partnership with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services. Donations will be collected at Statistics House, UBOS regional offices in Gulu and Mbarara, and selected locations in Kampala including the Fire Brigade on Entebbe Road and Luwum Street.
“This initiative reflects UBOS’s commitment to giving back to the community,” Okoth added. “We urge staff and members of the public to support the blood donation campaign.”
A major highlight of the week will be Geographic Information System (GIS) Day, during which UBOS will display how spatial data is used to map development indicators.
“GIS is central to our statistical production,” Okoth explained. “We will present mapped data for Uganda—from regions and sub-regions to constituencies, sub-counties, and parishes—giving decision-makers a clearer picture of development patterns.”
UBOS will also convene its Annual Gender Statistics Forum, focusing on the role of gender-disaggregated data in shaping inclusive policies. The forum will explore how statistics reveal the lived experiences of men, women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
“Gender influences almost every part of life, and our statistics demonstrate this,” Okoth said. “These insights help government design policies that respond to the needs of all Ugandans.”
All activities planned for Africa Statistics Week will be broadcast live on major TV stations and UBOS social media platforms, enabling nationwide participation.
