Dr. Chris Mukiza, the Chief Statistician of Uganda and the Executive Director of UBOS at the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, has encouraged South Korea’s National Statistical Offices (NSOs) to utilize 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.
Citing practical insights from international organizations such as Hong Kong, he emphasized Uganda's continuous incorporation of artificial intelligence throughout the entire process of data gathering.
He particularly highlighted Uganda's advancement in streamlining 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 about two years for completion. The National Population and Housing Census conducted in 2024 reported Uganda’s overall population as 45.9 million people. This information is now being used to guide the rollout of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV). It includes various development-focused objectives along with an integrated approach toward implementing the Parish Development Model—a comprehensive initiative designed to reduce widespread poverty 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 including Dr. Jacob Opolot, Dr. Rogers Matte, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, Ms. Rosette Nakavuma, Ms. Irene Birungi Mugisha, and Board Secretary Ms. Pamela Kansiime Ninsiima. Also part of the delegation were technical personnel from the Bureau such as Ms. Sharon Apio, Mr. Roland Muhumuza, Ms. Faith Atuhurira, Mr. Ivan Mafigiri Kanyeheyo, and Ms. Faith Tushabe.
In the course of 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 high statistical standards across the African continent and adopting institutional knowledge-sharing practices aimed at fostering sustainable statistical development.
The two groups exchanged insights, top techniques, hurdles, and prospects throughout the entire statistical process. The main subjects covered were labor, employment, and salary statistics, standardizing administrative data inside national statistical systems, managing censuses and population forecasts; along with the significance of efficient sharing and distribution of stats for crafting policies backed by solid evidence and informed decisions.
Ms. Wonder Yue, the Assistant Commissioner for Labour Statistics at the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, stressed the importance of enhancing statistical literacy. She pointed out how this skill facilitates better comprehension and effective utilization 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.
As he pointed out, "If corporate governance frameworks lack effectiveness, statistical agencies can still be vulnerable to multiple 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, specifically focusing on aligning administrative data systems.
UBOS 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 questionnaires. These methodologies have become increasingly popular in Hong Kong.
The benchmarking trip not only reinforced UBOS’s connections with Asia’s leading statistical organizations but also highlighted its dedication to innovation, ongoing education, and implementing international best standards.
Along with peer learning sessions, the UBOS Board participated in sophisticated international training programs centered around board-level expertise in risk management, the strategic application of Artificial Intelligence, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
The goals of these programs are to establish robust long-term institutional strength, improve data management practices, and strengthen 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 comprehensive social and economic progress initiatives.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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