The government has launched the construction of a modern Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Statistics House in Entebbe, a project aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to produce, manage and analyse data for national planning and regional cooperation.
The foundation stone for the new office complex was laid on Thursday by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi, who described the project as a strategic investment that will enhance Uganda’s statistical systems and support evidence based policy formulation and development planning.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Musasizi said the facility will enable UBOS to respond to the growing demand for high quality statistics while meeting international standards in data production and management.
“This project is a strategic investment in strengthening Uganda’s statistical capacity. It will support research, innovation, skills development and improved data management through modern training facilities, innovation laboratories and a state of the art Data Centre,” Musasizi said.
He urged the contractor, ROKO Construction Co. Ltd, and all stakeholders involved in the project to ensure that the works are completed within the agreed timeframe, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and value for money.
Musasizi also welcomed Uganda’s bid to host the East African Statistics Bureau at the new facility, saying the move demonstrates the country’s commitment to promoting regional integration and strengthening statistical cooperation across the East African Community.
“Hosting the East African Statistics Bureau will further position Uganda as a regional leader in statistics and reaffirm the government’s commitment to supporting evidence based decision making across the region,” he said.
UBOS Board Chairman, Dr. Albert Byamugisha, described the project as a significant milestone in the institution’s growth, thanking the government for providing the funding needed to make the development a reality.
He expressed confidence that ROKO Construction Co. Ltd would deliver a modern and high quality facility within the stipulated timeline.
UBOS Executive Director and Chief Statistician, Dr. Chris Mukiza, said the construction of the Statistics House marks a new chapter in Uganda’s statistical development and will transform the institution into a regional centre of excellence.
According to Mukiza, the complex will accommodate the East African Statistics Bureau, a modern Data Centre, Data Science and Innovation Hubs, training facilities, and offices for coordinating national censuses and surveys.
“This investment will create employment opportunities, build human resource capacity, promote innovation and strengthen evidence based decision making for Uganda’s socio economic transformation,” Mukiza said.
ROKO Construction Co. Ltd Chairman Mark Koehler thanked the government and UBOS for entrusting the company with the project, pledging to deliver a safe, high quality and timely facility.
“We are committed to completing this project with professionalism, collaboration and adherence to the highest construction standards,” Koehler said.
The new Statistics House is expected to significantly enhance UBOS’ operational capacity, improve data storage and analysis, support statistical research and innovation, and reinforce Uganda’s position as a regional hub for official statistics. Once completed, the facility is expected to play a central role in supporting evidence based planning, monitoring and evaluation of government programmes, as well as regional statistical initiatives under the East African Community.
