The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has handed over 4,050 tablets and six computers to religious and cultural institutions, as well as selected government agencies, to strengthen data collection and evidence-based planning.
The official handover ceremony took place on Thursday at Statistics House in Kampala, with beneficiaries including the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), the National Planning Authority (NPA).
Others included, the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF), Bugisu Kingdom, Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom and the Rwenzururu Kingdom.
UBOS said the partnership is aimed at improving statistical development and supporting national planning under the Fourth Plan for National Statistical Development (PNSD IV).
The gadgets, which were previously used during the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, are expected to help institutions organise administrative data and contribute to the National Statistical System.
Speaking at the event, UBOS Executive Director Dr Chris Mukiza described the recipients as key players in Uganda’s statistical ecosystem.
“Because you are key users of the statistics we produce, you are key producers of a lot of statistics… Our role here is coordinating the national school system, ensuring that it is vibrant and produces statistics of high quality,” Mukiza said.
He explained that the equipment was being disposed of through donations for non-government institutions, while government agencies would receive them through transfers.
Dr Mukiza said the Inter-Religious Council received the largest share, taking 3,050 tablets and three computers, while other institutions were allocated smaller numbers.
In addition, Bugisu Kingdom received 250 tablets and three computers, while Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom was given 150 tablets.
NPA received 50 tablets, and both the Presidential CEO Forum and EPRC were allocated 50 tablets each.
Mukiza emphasised that UBOS expects the devices to remain in use for years and should primarily support statistical work rather than non-essential purposes.
“We empower you to deploy and use them principally for statistical purposes… especially organising your administrative data,” he said.
He also noted that UBOS had earlier distributed tablets to public universities and local governments, with every parish now having at least two devices to strengthen grassroots data systems.
Representing the Inter-Religious Council, Dr Joseph Serwadda welcomed the donation, saying it would boost the council’s ability to collect accurate information across faith communities.
“We formed the Interreligious Council Statistics Unit and Committee to collect data on all our member organisations,” Serwadda said.
He added that the equipment would help address concerns raised by some groups following the census results.
“If this equipment had been in our possession, we possibly wouldn’t have had those issues,” he said.
Irene Mugisha saluted UBOS for the strategic collaboration and donation of tablets to PCF.
"This enhances data-driven research and evidence-based policy contribution to Uganda’s National Development.We commit to complementing’ statistics that guide Uganda’ progress." She said.
UBOS said it will continue working closely with the institutions through training and engagement to ensure the tablets and computers contribute to better planning, improved livelihoods and evidence-based decision-making.