By Diana N.Kintu
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has donated 4,050 tablets and six computers to cultural and religious institutions, as well as selected government agencies, to enhance data collection, management and economic planning across the country.
The devices were previously used during the 2024 National Population and Housing Census and are being redistributed under UBOS’s post-census utilisation strategy. The initiative is intended to strengthen the National Statistical System (NSS) through improved administrative data management.
The largest share of the equipment was allocated to the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), which received 3,050 tablets and three computers.
Speaking during the handover, UBOS Executive Director Dr Chris N. Mukiza urged religious leaders to utilise the devices beyond their traditional pastoral roles, emphasising the importance of research, evidence-based planning and economic empowerment.
“Prayer alone will not improve livelihoods. People must be encouraged to work hard and improve their welfare,” Dr Mukiza said.
He noted that the tablets would facilitate the collection of administrative data to support planning among Uganda’s more than 26,730 Born Again churches. He added that reliable data would help stakeholders better understand socio-economic challenges and inform targeted interventions.
Dr Mukiza reaffirmed UBOS’s commitment to providing sustained technical support and coordinating the NSS to ensure harmonised, automated and efficient statistical systems nationwide.
The redistribution marks the second phase of post-census equipment deployment. The first batch was issued to public universities, charitable organisations and local governments through the Ministry of ICT. UBOS also confirmed that each parish across the country has received two tablets to strengthen grassroots administrative data systems.
“I can confirm that the devices remain in very good and usable condition,” Dr Mukiza said.
Receiving the donation on behalf of IRCU, Dr Joseph Serwadda described the support as timely and long overdue. He pledged that the devices would be used responsibly to generate credible data across sectors including health, education, tourism, livelihoods, climate action, prisons and hospitals.
Dr Serwadda revealed that IRCU has already established a Statistics Unit and Committee to coordinate data collection among its member organisations, noting that the new equipment would further enhance institutional capacity.
The IRCU comprises seven faith groups: the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, Born Again Faith Churches, Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches, the Muslim community, the Orthodox Church and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
UBOS said the initiative underscores its continued commitment to strengthening partnerships and promoting the production and use of quality administrative data to support evidence-based planning and national development.