The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and Tooro Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening collaboration for improved statistical development and data production within the kingdom.
The agreement is expected to support the establishment of a statistical unit within Tooro Kingdom to enhance harmonisation of concepts, definitions and methodologies used in the collection, compilation and dissemination of statistical information.
The partnership will also coordinate data collection activities to avoid duplication of efforts while strengthening networking, data sharing and exchange of statistical information among producers, suppliers and users of statistics within the kingdom and the national bureau.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chris N. Mukiza said UBOS operates within a national framework designed to improve statistical capacity across the country.
“The Plan for National Statistical Development is a framework for strengthening the statistical capacity of the National Statistical System to support Uganda’s results-based development and policy agenda,” Dr Mukiza said.
He noted that the partnership reflects UBOS’s commitment to coordinating the National Statistical System to ensure harmonised statistical production and efficient use of resources.
Dr Mukiza further pledged that UBOS would provide technical capacity and equipment to support the full operationalisation of the statistical unit within Tooro Kingdom.
He also directed UBOS staff to compile a statistical abstract for the kingdom using available datasets, including findings from the recently concluded National Population and Housing Census 2024 and the Baseline Education Census 2025, which is expected to be disseminated later this month.
The Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, welcomed the partnership, saying access to area-specific data across the kingdom’s nine counties would strengthen planning and decision-making.
“For us to plan effectively, prioritize correctly, and serve our people better, we must rely on accurate data and credible research to make informed decisions. Definitely, you cannot manage what you cannot measure,” he said.
Rwomiire added that the collaboration comes at a crucial time as the kingdom advances its development agenda in sectors such as health, education, youth empowerment, culture, tourism and economic transformation.
Accompanied by Joan Kantu, the Prime Minister thanked Dr Mukiza for the partnership and expressed confidence that it would strengthen coordination, improve planning and enhance service delivery for the people of Tooro Kingdom.
The partnership reflects a growing trend of collaboration between cultural institutions and government agencies in promoting evidence-based planning and localised development initiatives across Uganda.