The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has graduated its fourth cohort of staff from the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi after completing a four-week Transformative and Leadership Development Course aimed at strengthening leadership, patriotism and strategic thinking within the national statistics agency.
The graduation ceremony, held on Sunday, July 26, marked another milestone in UBOS’ ongoing investment in developing a values-driven workforce to enhance the production of credible official statistics that support Uganda’s development agenda.
Representing the UBOS Executive Director, Dr Chris N. Mukiza, Deputy Executive Director Dr Vincent Fred Ssenono urged the graduates to apply the leadership principles acquired during the programme to improve the Bureau’s work and contribute to national transformation.
Speaking on the theme, “Data as the Bedrock of National Transformation,” Dr Ssenono said official statistics remain central to evidence-based policymaking, national planning and improved public service delivery.
He said the training had broadened participants’ understanding of Uganda’s development priorities while reinforcing the importance of producing reliable, timely and relevant statistics.
“The time you have spent at NALI has been about sharpening your understanding of Uganda and aligning your professional expertise with the country’s broader aspirations. You have not simply been here to learn statistics, but to better understand the nation you serve,” Dr Ssenono said.
He reminded the graduates that Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) require public servants who appreciate the strategic value of data in driving socio-economic transformation.
Dr Ssenono challenged the participants to become purpose-driven leaders by embracing integrity, discipline, hard work and mentorship while safeguarding the credibility of Uganda’s official statistics.
He also commended NALI for its continued role in producing disciplined and patriotic public servants and thanked UBOS management for prioritising staff capacity development.
NALI Director Col. Okei Rukogota praised the UBOS staff for their discipline, patriotism and commitment throughout the four-week programme, describing them as exemplary participants.
“I received daily reports on your progress, your patriotic zeal and your commitment to the programme. I am delighted that you have emerged as such a great team,” Col. Rukogota said.
He encouraged the graduates to view leadership as a lifelong journey of service, sacrifice and continuous self-improvement, noting that the true measure of leadership lies in the positive impact one makes on society.
Col. Rukogota also commended UBOS for partnering with NALI to strengthen leadership within the Bureau, saying the initiative contributes to building a competent public service capable of advancing Uganda’s national development agenda.
The Transformative and Leadership Development Course is part of UBOS’ wider staff development strategy aimed at nurturing transformational leaders equipped to strengthen the National Statistical System and improve evidence-based decision-making across government.
The ceremony concluded with participants receiving certificates and pledging to uphold the values of patriotism, professionalism, discipline, integrity and excellence in the execution of their duties.
