Govt To Inject Billions In UBOS For Good Quality Data Production- Minister Lugolobi

The State Minister Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon Amos Lugolobi has said the government of Uganda is ready to inject billions of shillings in Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) in order to produce good and quality data, Spyreports has learnt.
The Minister revealed this while officiating the innaguration of the new UBOS Board which was recently appointed by the President. The eight Board Members who took oath today under supervision of the Principal Judge His Lordship Hon Justice Dr Flavian Zeija included Dr Albert Byamugisha who is the Chairman, Mrs Nakavuma Rosset who represents Ministry of Finance, Dr Allen Kabagenyi from Makerere University, Irene Birungi from Private sector, Rodgers Matte from National Planning Authority, Jacob Opolot from Bank of Uganda and Dr Chris Mukiza who is the Executive Director UBOS.
Minister Lugolobi says the government is very willing and committed to Support UBOS in playing its rightful role. "The government very much believes in and supports evidence based decision making which is only possible with the availability of quality statistics," says the Minister adding that government shall continue to provide the necessary funding for statistics and advocating for use of quality statistics throughout all Ministries, Departments and Agencies including local government.
He further says that UBOS will be heavily funded because its playing a central role in monitoring the implementation of the plan for National Statistics Development, National Development Plan while addressing the required standards for the ongoing  development of NDPVI. "UBOS Data further support implementations and monitoring Uganda Vision 2040, Sustainable Development Goals," reveals the Minister. He also urged the new Board to observe and exercise professionalism, integrity, team work, mistual respect if they are to succeed in their set of duties and responsibilities. "The board is urged to take note of the new data demands from the state holders and position of the bureau to remain more responsive and accountable to all relevant stakeholders," adds the Minister. The Minister insists that UBOS must provide statistics for local government like parish development model program up to lowest unit if governance. "UBOS must increase demand and use of Statistics through extensive media engagement and other formats," He says. Mr Lugolobi says the board must formulate policy guidelines and monitor implementation of the bureau plans and programs, approve annual budgets, approve senior staff management among others. "You must ensure UBOS keeps on top of the game by providing world class National Statistics," Sounds the Minister. He further urged the Board to make sure they deliver successful National Population and Housing Census in 2024.
The Executive Director UBOS Dr Chris Mukiza who also took oath as Board member says UBOS will continue to encourage professionalism and commitment to staff to ensure that quality statistics is available and accessible to meet the ever changing trends in demand for data and information. "I want to inform the members that overtime, the bureau has development adequate statistical infrastructure both in terms of equipment and human resource capacity, " Says Dr Mukiza. He adds that as described the statistics act of 1998 " we can now publicly say that there is no single gap left within the leadership of the bureau but rather we should be held accountable to deliver the necessary required statistical information to support planning and monitoring of the development progress. The ED added that as the Nation is approaching  National Census come next year, he asked the Board to support the program to enable every citizen participate in the whole Census.