The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has donated 4,050 census tablets and six computers to selected religious, cultural and government institutions within the National Statistical System (NSS) to strengthen data collection and administrative reporting across the country.
The devices were previously used during the 2024 National Population and Housing Census and are now being reallocated under UBOS’ post-census utilisation strategy.
The beneficiary institutions include the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), National Planning Authority (NPA), Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), Presidential CEO Forum (PCF), Bugisu Kingdom, Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, and the Rwenzururu Kingdom.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris Mukiza said the equipment is still in good condition and will continue serving the country beyond the census.
“I can confirm they are still in very good and usable condition,” Mukiza said.“These tablets were procured using government resources and we committed that they would continue being used beyond the census.”
Mukiza said the donation was aimed at strengthening collaboration between UBOS, religious institutions, cultural bodies and planning agencies.
“All members here are part of the National Statistical System. You are key users of statistics, key producers of statistics and also policymakers. Our role is to coordinate this system and ensure it remains vibrant and produces high-quality data that makes a difference,” he said.
Mukiza also urged religious leaders to use the tablets to collect reliable data, especially from Uganda’s more than 26,000 Born Again churches, to support better national planning.
“Just praying alone will not improve lives. People must be encouraged to work hard and better themselves,” he added.
Representing the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), Pastor Joseph Serwadda welcomed the donation, saying it would greatly boost their data systems.
“This support is timely and long overdue. We already have a Statistics Unit and a Committee, and these tablets will strengthen our ability to generate credible administrative data,” Serwadda said.
He pledged that the Council would use the equipment responsibly.
“We promise to use them purposefully and make you proud. At the next census, we shall provide statistics you can simply copy and paste,” he said.
Serwadda said the devices will help IRCU collect data in key sectors such as health, education, tourism, livelihoods, climate action, prisons and hospitals.
Last year in July, UBOS donated 5,195 tablets to 16 institutions, including Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Gulu University, Lira University, Soroti University, Makerere University Business School, the National Council for Higher Education, and the cultural institutions of Buganda, Bunyoro, Busoga and Rwenzururu Kingdoms.
