At the Rotary District 9214 Foundation Recognition Dinner held on November 29th, 2025, National Statistician and UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris Ndatira Mukiza delivered a powerful message about leadership, generosity, and the role of data in transforming communities. Speaking before Rotarians from Uganda and Tanzania, he emphasized that true progress happens when resources, information, and compassion come together to serve society.
Dr. Mukiza explained that the work of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) aligns closely with Rotary’s mission. UBOS provides accurate and timely data that helps government, private sector, and civil society plan better for national development. This includes statistics on poverty, health, education, inequality, governance, and population trends. According to him, Rotary projects follow the same principles—community assessment, measurable outcomes, sustainability, and accountability. This makes Rotary a strong example of data-informed development.
Throughout his speech, Dr. Mukiza reminded the audience that behind every statistic is a human story. He said the numbers that matter most are those that show improved wellbeing—more children in school, mothers surviving childbirth, families with clean water, and communities lifting themselves out of poverty. As both a statistician and a Rotarian, he said he values not only the measurable results but also the lived experiences behind them.
Dr. Mukiza celebrated Rotary’s global and local achievements, especially through the Rotary Foundation, which has invested more than USD 4 billion in life-changing projects worldwide. He highlighted Rotary’s major role in almost eradicating polio, immunizing 2.5 billion children and reducing global cases by 99.9 percent. In District 9214, contributions from members support education, maternal health, clean water projects, and peacebuilding efforts in Uganda and Tanzania. He noted that these are not abstract accomplishments but real improvements affecting thousands of lives.
The dinner also recognized the generosity of individuals, clubs, families, and partners who make these projects possible. Dr. Mukiza applauded the district’s strong giving culture, pointing to the Major Donors Dinner in September 2025 where more than USD 100,000 was raised in one night. He also acknowledged corporate partners such as Uganda Breweries Limited and the National Forestry Authority for working with Rotary to restore Namananga Forest Reserve, proving that partnerships can multiply impact.
Quoting Past Trustee Geeta Manek, Dr. Mukiza said true philanthropy is “about the size of the heart that gives.” He encouraged Rotarians to continue giving, not for themselves but for future generations who will benefit from wells, clinics, schools, and peace initiatives supported by today’s contributions. He also echoed the call of District Governor Christine Kawooya to “Unite for Good,” stressing that big change comes from many small actions.
In his closing message, Dr. Mukiza urged Rotarians to inspire others, mentor new members in the culture of giving, and continue supporting The Rotary Foundation. He thanked everyone for their service, generosity, and dedication, saying that giving is a powerful way to shape the future of Uganda, Tanzania, and the world.
He ended by affirming his commitment to God, humanity, and his country, receiving warm applause from the audience.
