By Aggrey Baba
As global attention turns toward advancing the use of data to drive socio-economic transformation, Uganda has made its mark at the 56th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council Statistical Commission.
Dr. Chris Mukiza, the Executive Director and Chief Statistician of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), led Uganda’s delegation at the prestigious event, which ran from March 4 to 7, 2025, in New York.
The conference brought together national and international experts to chart the course for statistical development and production across the globe, with implications for shaping policy and economic development in the years to come.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Mukiza underscored the conference’s significance, not only as a platform for technical discussions but as an opportunity to explore how quality statistics can drive meaningful transformation, both in Uganda and globally.
The UBOS chief highlighted the critical role of statistics in informing policy decisions and resource allocation, crucial elements for achieving sustainable development goals.
“As we engage in these discussions, it is evident that statistics play a central role in socio-economic planning and transformation,” Dr. Mukiza remarked. “This conference allows us to reflect on the principles guiding statistical production and explore how we can enhance these processes to ensure more informed decision-making globally.”
Dr. Mukiza also represented Uganda’s stance on official statistics, emphasizing the importance of respecting existing frameworks, such as National Statistics Boards and regional mechanisms like the African Charter for Official Statistics.
He cautioned against the duplication of these bodies’ roles, which provide vital oversight and ensure adherence to the fundamental principles of official statistics.
“The discussions and resolutions made during this session will help shape a new era in understanding statistical demands and ensuring timely and responsive data provision to meet these needs,” Dr. Mukiza added.
Among the key topics addressed during the session were critical resolutions concerning the 2030 World Population and Housing Census Program and the 2025 System of National Accounts, both of which are central to monitoring progress toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and evaluating global economic trends.
Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, reaffirmed the enduring relevance of these initiatives, emphasizing their vital role in tracking progress under the 2030 Agenda. He also highlighted the importance of the new System of National Accounts in enhancing the measurement of the digital and global economies, contributing to discussions on GDP and broader economic analysis.
Dr. Mukiza was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including Dr. Allen Kabagenyi, UBOS Board Member, Dr. Sam Mugume, Assistant Commissioner at the Ministry of Fiance, Planning, and Economic Development (MoFPED), Mr. Samuel Echoku, Head of the Department of Economic Statistics, Mr. Johnson Galande, Senior Statistician, and Ms. Karen Akampa, an IT Officer.
Their participation underscores Uganda’s commitment to advancing statistical development and shaping the global conversation on data production and analysis. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
