Dr. Chris Mukiza, the Chief Statistician of Uganda and Executive Director at the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), has encouraged South Korea’s National Statistical Offices (NSOs) to leverage new AI technologies for enhancing efficiency, timeliness, and quality control throughout their statistical processes.
Dr. Mukiza issued this statement during a strategic benchmarking trip to the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department.
Leveraging practical insights from international organizations such as those based in Hong Kong, he emphasized Uganda’s continuous incorporation of artificial intelligence throughout the entire data gathering process.
He particularly highlighted Uganda's advancements in automating data gathering for censuses and surveys through the use of Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) devices, leading to notable improvements in the efficiency of data generation processes.
During the recently completed National Population and Housing Census held in May 2024, he mentioned the utilization of CAPI technology. This allowed UBOS to publish the primary Census Report within just half a year.
This marked a significant enhancement over earlier censuses, which usually required around two years for completion. The National Population and Housing Census conducted in 2024 reported Uganda’s total populace to be approximately 45.9 million individuals. This information is presently guiding the execution of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) along with additional objectives focused on development. It also supports the coordinated rollout of the Parish Development Model—a comprehensive approach designed to alleviate widespread poverty across the nation by integrating all citizens into the economic system.
The benchmarking trip was likewise joined by members of the UBOS Board of Directors, with Board Chairman Dr. Albert Byamugisha leading the group.
Joining him were board members such as Dr. Jacob Opolot, Dr. Rogers Matte, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Ms. Rosette Nakavuma, Ms. Irene Birungi Mugisha, and the Board Secretary, Ms. Pamela Kansiime Ninsiima. Also part of the delegation was a group of technical personnel from the Bureau, including Ms. Sharon Apio, Mr. Roland Muhumuza, Ms. Faith Atuhurira, Mr. Ivan Mafigiri Kanyeheyo, and Ms. Faith Tushabe.
In the session focused on peer-to-peer learning and professional exchanges, Mr. Leo Yu, Commissioner of the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, praised the Uganda Bureau of Statistics for upholding stringent statistical standards across the African continent and fostering an environment conducive to institutional knowledge sharing aimed at achieving sustainable statistical growth.
The two groups exchanged insights, top strategies, obstacles, and possibilities throughout the entire statistical process. Important subjects covered were labor, employment, and wage statistics, standardizing administrative data within national statistical systems, managing censuses and population projections; as well as the significance of efficient communication and distribution of stats for formulating policies and decisions backed by solid evidence.
Ms. Wonder Yue, Assistant Commissioner for Labour Statistics at the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department stressed the importance of enhancing statistical literacy, underscoring how this skill facilitates the straightforward comprehension and effective application of data.
Dr. Albert Byamugisha, the chairman of the UBOS Board, emphasized the critical role of the board's supervisory duties in maintaining strong corporate governance and enhancing the standing of national statistical offices at a national level.
He pointed out that without proper alignment of corporate governance frameworks, statistical agencies can still be vulnerable to different internal and external risks, which might disrupt the creation of high-quality data.
Dr. Byamugisha valued the insightful lessons obtained from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, which aligned with UBOS’s aim to establish itself as a premier global National Statistical Office.
The two organizations decided to start and strengthen their cooperation in important technical fields, focusing specifically on aligning administrative data systems.
UBOS still primarily relies on face-to-face interviews for gathering data; however, the organization is considering longer-term approaches such as incorporating telephone surveys and online forms. These alternative techniques have become increasingly favored in Hong Kong.
The benchmarking trip not only reinforced UBOS’s relationships with some of Asia’s leading statistical organizations but also highlighted its dedication to innovation, ongoing education, and implementing international best standards.
Along with peer learning, the UBOS Board participated in sophisticated international training aimed at enhancing their skills in board-level risk management, strategically leveraging artificial intelligence, and implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks.
The objectives of these programs focus on establishing enduring institutional strength, improving data management practices, and strengthening UBOS's role as a consistent provider of current and high-quality statistical information.
Drawing from the lessons learned in Hong Kong, UBOS is now well-equipped to enhance Uganda’s statistical frameworks to meet global benchmarks. This ensures that information stays at the core of development strategies, informed policymaking, and the nation's wider social and economic progress initiatives.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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