By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has strengthened its commitment to building a competent, values-driven workforce following the graduation of its fourth cohort of staff from the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi, after completing a four-week Transformative and Leadership Development Course.
The programme, designed to deepen patriotism, strategic thinking, ideological orientation and leadership capacity, is part of UBOS’ broader investment in developing transformational leaders capable of producing quality official statistics that support Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Speaking at the pass-out ceremony on behalf of the Executive Director, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, the Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Vincent Fred Ssenono congratulated the graduates and urged them to translate the knowledge and values acquired during the training into impactful service delivery.
Addressing participants on the theme, “Data as the Bedrock of National Transformation,” Dr. Ssenono said the course had broadened their understanding of Uganda’s development aspirations while reinforcing the critical role of official statistics in driving evidence-based decision-making.
“The time you have spent at NALI has been about sharpening your understanding of Uganda and aligning your professional expertise with the country’s broader aspirations. You have not simply been here to learn statistics, but to better understand the nation you serve,” he said.
Dr. Ssenono described NALI as a cradle of leadership that has produced many of Uganda’s distinguished political, military and public-sector leaders, emphasizing that the institution continues to nurture disciplined, patriotic and visionary public servants.
He reminded the graduates that UBOS exists to produce official statistics that inform national development and challenged them to ensure that the Bureau continues to generate credible, timely and relevant data that supports policy formulation, national planning and improved service delivery.
“Official statistics should extend beyond the production of reports. They must provide evidence that informs policy formulation, guides national planning and improves service delivery across sectors such as health, education and agriculture,” he emphasized.
He noted that achieving Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) requires public servants who appreciate not only how statistics are produced but also why they matter in transforming citizens’ lives.
Dr. Ssenono further encouraged the graduates to become purpose-driven leaders by embracing strategic thinking, mentoring colleagues and upholding discipline, integrity, professionalism and hard work.
“As custodians of Uganda’s official statistics, you have a responsibility to ensure that the data produced by the Bureau remains credible, timely and relevant to the country’s development agenda,” he said.
He also commended UBOS Management for its continued investment in staff capacity development and thanked the National Leadership Institute for its role in nurturing competent public-sector leaders. He urged the graduates to return to their duty stations ready to strengthen Uganda’s National Statistical System through evidence-based decision-making.
In his remarks, the Director of the National Leadership Institute, Col. Okei Rukogota, applauded the UBOS participants for their discipline, patriotism and commitment throughout the four-week programme.
“I want to thank you for having been brilliant, willing and patriotic students throughout your stay here. Although I may not have spent much time with you physically, I received daily reports on your progress, your patriotic zeal and your commitment to the programme. I am delighted that you have emerged as such a great team,” he said.
Col. Rukogota commended UBOS for entrusting NALI with developing transformational leaders who will contribute to Uganda’s national development agenda. He also recognized the dedication of the institute’s faculty and support staff in successfully delivering the programme alongside several other national leadership courses.
Reflecting on the participants’ transformation, he encouraged the graduates to view leadership as a lifelong journey of service, sacrifice and continuous improvement.
“When you came here, you were different. Today, you leave with a deeper appreciation of leadership and national service. Leadership is never complete; it is continually refined through service, sacrifice and commitment. The true test of leadership is demonstrated in the struggles you overcome and the contribution you make to society,” he said.
The Transformative and Leadership Development Course forms part of UBOS’ ongoing staff development programme aimed at cultivating ethical, visionary and transformational leaders who will strengthen the production of quality official statistics for national planning and sustainable socio-economic development.
The ceremony concluded with the award of certificates to the graduates, who pledged to uphold the values of patriotism, professionalism, discipline, integrity and excellence as they continue serving the Bureau and contributing to Uganda’s development. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
