Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Lango Cultural Institution and Iteso Cultural Union, marking a strategic shift toward grassroots data collaboration. It was made clear during those preceding engagements that Uganda’s official statistics, as produced by UBOS, can among other things enable cultural institutions’ leaders to engage in meaningful advocacy, resource allocation and policy formulation debates in their respective interactions with the central government.
Delegations led by Prof. Willy Okullo, the Prime Minister of Lango Cultural Institution (Won Nyaci me Lango), and John Okiror, the Deputy Prime Minister and Lands Minister of Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), signed the MoUs at UBOS headquarters in Kampala. Dr. Vincent Fred Sennono, the UBOS Deputy Executive Director, represented Executive Director Dr. Chris N. Mukiza during the ceremony. The agreements focus on joint production of official statistics, leveraging cultural leaders’ influence for better survey participation nationwide.
The UBOS Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Vincent Fred Ssennono representing Dr. Chris N. Mukiza
This follows similar MoUs with Buganda, Rwenzururu kingdoms, and the Inter-Religious Council, expanding UBOS’s network.
Cultural institutions gain tools for evidence-based policy engagement with government, replacing sentiment-driven claims with official data. UBOS benefits from reduced data collection costs via administrative data sharing (e.g., schools, health facilities) and enhanced community cooperation.
Leaders pledged full commitment, with operationalization via regional statistics committees.
These MoUs promote data-driven governance, aligning with national planning and international standards amid Uganda’s push for sustainable development. By embedding stats units in cultural structures, UBOS aims to boost accuracy and uptake, as seen in ongoing Education Baseline Surveys.
