By Felix Oketcho
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has embarked on a strategic benchmarking visit to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department to enhance its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and statistical governance. Led by the Chief Statistician and Executive Director, Dr. Chris Mukiza, the delegation aimed to draw lessons from global statistical institutions and strengthen Uganda’s statistical systems.
Dr. Mukiza emphasized the importance of harnessing emerging AI solutions to ensure effective, timely, and high-quality controls in statistical production cycles. He highlighted Uganda’s progress in integrating AI across the data collection value chain, citing the successful use of Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) devices during the recent National Population and Housing Census.
The census, conducted in May 2024, recorded Uganda’s total population count at 45.9 million persons and enabled UBOS to release the main Census Report within six months, a significant improvement from previous censuses. This data is currently informing the rollout of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the Parish Development Model, a national poverty alleviation strategy.
During the benchmarking tour, UBOS shared experiences and best practices with the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, focusing on topics such as labor statistics, administrative data harmonization, census management, and effective communication of statistics. The Hong Kong team commended UBOS for maintaining high statistical standards and embracing institutional knowledge sharing practices.
The UBOS Board Chairman, Dr. Albert Byamugisha, reinforced the importance of effective corporate governance in ensuring the production of quality data. The two agencies resolved to initiate collaborations in key technical areas, particularly around the harmonization of administrative data.
The benchmarking visit not only strengthened UBOS’s institutional ties with Asia’s most advanced statistical agencies but also underscored its commitment to innovation, continuous learning, and the adoption of global best practices. With insights gained from Hong Kong, UBOS is better positioned to elevate Uganda’s statistical systems to international standards, ensuring that data remains central to development planning and evidence-based policy-making.