Dr Vincent Fred Ssenono, Deputy Executive Director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), has called on faith-based institutions to use newly received tablets strictly for statistical purposes as Uganda strengthens efforts to improve the collection and use of quality data.Dr Ssenono represented the UBOS Executive Director, Dr Chris N. Mukiza, during a handover ceremony held on September 17, 2026, at the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) Secretariat.
The tablets were handed over by the Council to its faith-based institutions to support data collection and improve the availability of reliable information from religious organisations.Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Ssenono urged the institutions to handle the tablets responsibly and ensure that they are used for their intended purpose. He said the information collected through the devices should be accurate and of high quality because reliable statistics are important in guiding Uganda’s development process.He noted that better data can help institutions and government understand the needs of different communities, plan programmes and make informed decisions. He therefore encouraged the participating faith-based institutions to take the statistical exercise seriously and ensure that data collected is properly recorded and submitted.Dr Ssenono also reaffirmed UBOS’ commitment to working closely with the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda and its member institutions.
He pledged the Bureau’s full technical support towards operationalising the Statistical Unit established at the Council’s Secretariat.The ceremony also marked the official launch of the National Religious Institutions Statistics Unit, which is expected to strengthen the coordination of statistical activities among faith-based institutions. The unit will also play a role in supporting the production of quality and reliable data from the religious sector.The establishment of the unit is expected to provide a more organised approach to collecting and managing statistics from religious institutions across the country. Such information can contribute to a better understanding of the work and activities of faith-based organisations and their contribution to communities and national development.
The initiative brings together the role of faith-based institutions and the national statistical system, with UBOS providing technical guidance while the institutions take part in collecting and producing relevant information.The handover of the tablets and launch of the National Religious Institutions Statistics Unit therefore marked an important step towards strengthening data collection within Uganda’s faith-based institutions. With technical support from UBOS, the institutions are expected to use the new tools to generate reliable statistics that can support planning, decision-making and Uganda’s wider development efforts.
