Dr Chris Mukiza, the UBOS Executive Director hands over of the tablets to Prof Moses Muhwezi
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Government, through the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has distributed more than 5,000 digital tablets to public universities, other higher learning institutions and cultural organizations.
The 5,195 tablets, previously used in the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, will enable benefiting institutions to enhance data collection, research and evidence-based planning.
Dr. Chris Mukiza, UBOS Executive Director, said that 3,250 tablets were allocated to 10 government universities and teacher training institutions, while the remainder went to cultural institutions.
Buganda Kingdom received 1,000 tablets, Bunyoro 550, Busoga 500, Rwenzururu 120 and the National Council for Higher Education 75. Makerere University received 700, Kyambogo University 350 and Mbarara University of Science and Technology 350.
“This distribution is more than a donation. It’s part of a larger vision to make statistics accessible and usable by all stakeholders, including training institutions, academia and cultural bodies,” said Dr Mukiza during a press conference held on Monday at Statistics House in Kampala.
He added that the release of tablets is a continuation of their effort to build a stronger statistical ecosystem in the country,” said Mukiza, adding that cultural institutions like the Buganda, Bunyoro and Rwenzururu kingdoms are developing statistical units.
“These tablets will help them collect better data within their jurisdictions. They should endevor to use the tablets meaningfully for analysis, training, policy making and community development.”
Added Mukiza: “We pledge to share 10% of its datasets freely. We will also share through user-specific requests, provided it’s used in line with statistical regulations and in aggregated form for privacy.”
The initiative is part of UBOS’s strategy to strengthen the National Statistical System by empowering academic and non-state actors in data production and usage.
Dr. Allen Kabagyenyi, a UBOS board member representing academia, said that in a world shaped by digital learning and research, the investment is vital.
She added that the universities will allows universities to train students in real-world statistical tools and also strengthens institutional research capacity.
Earlier this year, UBOS transferred over 23,000 tablets to local governments for administrative data collection. It also donated 35,000 tablets to the Electoral Commission.
