By Ben Musanje
Uganda is set to take a major leap in regional statistical leadership after the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) announced that its new state-of-the-art facility in Entebbe will host the East African Census Bureau.
The announcement was made by UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris Mukiza during the commencement of construction works for the new building, describing the project as a defining moment in the transformation of statistics in Uganda and the wider East African region.
Dr. Mukiza said the new facility will go beyond serving as UBOS headquarters, positioning Uganda as a centre for regional statistical coordination, innovation and data-driven decision-making.
“This exercise does not only mark the beginning of the construction activities, but also is about the next chapter of the organization of statistics,” Dr. Mukiza said.
The UBOS Executive Director reflected on the historical significance of the Entebbe site, noting that the institution maintained operations there even after moving to its current headquarters at Route 9 in 2006. He said the return to the site marks a homecoming for an institution whose roots remain connected to the location.
Dr. Mukiza commended the Special Forces Command (SFC) for peacefully handing back the facilities in 2021 after completing their own construction works.
“We are happy that you willingly handed it over back to us in 2021, without any bullets being shot,” he said, thanking the SFC leadership for its cooperation.
The new facility will also cement Uganda’s position as a champion of regional integration, with Dr. Mukiza saying it is fitting for the country to host the East African Census Bureau because of UBOS’ leadership role in statistics within the region.
“The recent act of the SFC Bureau, and we being the leaders, the vanguards of statistics in the region, it is fitting and well that we host here,” he said.
He explained that hosting the regional bureau will deliver both economic and political benefits to Uganda by attracting international meetings, creating employment opportunities and increasing business activity through regional engagements.
“It will bring inflows here because all of the main meetings of the East African Rehabilitation will take place here,” Dr. Mukiza said, adding that the move would strengthen Uganda’s role as a key player in regional integration.
The new facility is designed to become a modern statistical hub equipped to handle national and regional data needs. It will include a data processing centre that will eliminate the need for UBOS to hire temporary spaces during major exercises such as censuses and large-scale surveys.
“Those of you who were here during the census, we hired stores and centres and spent a lot of money. That will be history,” Dr. Mukiza said.
The building will also host a Data Science and Innovation Hub, where emerging technologies including big data analytics and artificial intelligence will be used to improve statistical production and address new challenges.
UBOS will also establish a statistic in-service training centre to build capacity among its staff and stakeholders across government ministries, departments and agencies, local governments and civil society organizations.
The facility will provide modern conference spaces to host major national and international meetings, as well as offices dedicated to coordinating censuses, surveys and regional statistical operations.
Dr. Mukiza thanked the Government of Uganda for its continued support towards strengthening UBOS, describing the investment as evidence of confidence in the institution.
“This building is a testament of the trust the government has in our institution,” he said.
He also praised government support during the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, where the government provided 99 percent of the funding, unlike previous censuses where external partners contributed a significant share.
According to the construction team, the new UBOS building in Entebbe will cover 16,230 square metres and rise seven levels, comprising three basement floors and four floors above ground.
The project, being constructed by ROKO Construction, started on 30 July and is expected to be completed by 30 July 2029 at a cost of Shs76 billion.
The building will include a data centre, underground parking, IT offices, server rooms, statistical offices, meeting rooms and maintenance workshops. It will also feature parking for persons with disabilities, bicycle facilities and electric vehicle charging points as part of a green construction approach.
Beyond office space, the facility will include an innovation centre, research and data centre, wellness centre, gym, canteen, museum, resource library and a conference hall capable of hosting 672 people.
The project is also expected to stimulate economic activity in Entebbe through the use of locally sourced construction materials and employment opportunities for local workers during construction.
With the East African Census Bureau expected to operate from the new facility, Uganda is positioning itself at the centre of regional statistical advancement, creating a platform where data, technology and cooperation will shape the future of planning and development in East Africa. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
