The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has issued a strong warning to politicians who intend to use fake statistics for their political gains during their campaigns. The warning was issued by UBOS Head of Communication Didacus Okoth who represented the ED Dr Chris Mukiza during the launch of Africa Statistics Week.
“UBOS will not be responsible for or held accountable for any politician who will use fake statistics for their political gains,” he Says adding that the official statistics are available for use. “We have all the statistics from the village level up to National level so Politicians should use the date well during their campaigns,” he says
This call for accountability comes as UBOS prepares to join other African National Statistical Offices (NSOs) in celebrating Africa Statistics Day on November 18, 2025. The day will mark the start of a weeklong series of events aimed at highlighting the role of modern data technologies in driving evidence-based decision-making for national development. The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Leveraging Innovations in Data and Statistics to Promote a Just, Peaceful, Inclusive, and Prosperous Society for Africans.”
In his statement, Dr. Chris Mukiza, UBOS Executive Director and Chief Statistician, stressed that this year’s theme reflects UBOS’s ongoing commitment to harnessing the latest data technologies to produce high-quality statistics that support national planning. He noted that the events lined up for Africa Statistics Week will spotlight innovations in data collection, analysis, and dissemination, as well as emphasize the importance of using accurate and reliable data in decision-making processes.
“This theme echoes UBOS’s continued focus on using modern technologies to enhance the quality of statistics that drive national development and inform critical public policy,” Dr. Mukiza explained.
As part of the celebrations, UBOS will showcase some of the most advanced technologies in data production, including tools for better data collection and analysis. The events will feature a broad range of stakeholders, from government agencies and academia to civil society groups and the general public, with a focus on promoting public awareness about the transformative role of data in shaping national policies. The Bureau also plans to promote inclusivity by encouraging the sharing of data among different stakeholders, fostering collaboration between data producers, users, and innovators.
The activities during Africa Statistics Week will include a range of events such as:
The dissemination of the National Governance, Peace, and Security Survey report.
Media engagements aimed at promoting statistical literacy and educating the public on the significance of accurate data.
Blood donation drives as part of UBOS’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, highlighting the Bureau’s commitment to community wellbeing.
A celebration of Geo-Information Systems (GIS) Day, showcasing the role of geographic data in development planning.
The Annual Gender Statistics Forum, focusing on the importance of gender-disaggregated data for effective policymaking.
UBOS is keen to ensure that these events are accessible to the wider public, despite the physical participation being limited to invited guests. To reach as many Ugandans as possible, all activities will be streamed live on national television and social media platforms. This digital approach will allow people across the country to join in the conversation, learn about the power of data, and understand its role in promoting a fair and prosperous society.
Through this week of activities, UBOS hopes to reinforce the importance of reliable, accurate data in the development of Uganda and other African nations. By promoting statistical literacy and data-driven policymaking, the Bureau aims to build a foundation for a more informed, just, and inclusive society.
