UBOS, Roofings forge data partnership to boost Uganda’s industrial growth
For UBOS, the engagement signals an increasing focus on ensuring official statistics are not only produced but actively utilised by businesses to improve productivity and guide investment.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and Roofings Limited have strengthened their collaboration to promote the use of official statistics in driving industrial development, investment planning and export competitiveness, highlighting the growing importance of data in Uganda’s economic transformation agenda.
The partnership was reaffirmed during a visit by a UBOS delegation to Roofings Limited’s manufacturing facility in the Kampala Industrial and Business Park, Namanve, where the two institutions explored opportunities for closer cooperation in the production and use of official statistics.
The UBOS team, led by Deputy Executive Director Dr. Vincent F. Ssenono on behalf of Executive Director and Chief Statistician Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, held discussions with the company’s leadership on how reliable data can support business expansion, industrial productivity and evidence-based decision-making.
The delegation was received by Roofings’ Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Dr. Martin F. Kyeyune, who presented the company’s investment journey, manufacturing operations and contribution to Uganda’s industrialisation drive.
Data at the heart of industrial transformation
The engagement reflects a broader shift towards integrating official statistics into private sector planning as businesses increasingly rely on credible data to guide investment decisions, assess market opportunities and improve competitiveness.
Both institutions agreed that stronger collaboration between the national statistical office and industry players is essential to supporting Uganda’s ambition of becoming a competitive manufacturing and export-led economy.
Discussions focused on the role of official statistics in industrial planning, export development, production forecasting and business growth, with participants noting that quality data can help firms make informed strategic decisions while enhancing operational efficiency.
UBOS reaffirmed its commitment to producing timely, reliable and high-quality official statistics that respond to the information needs of government, businesses, development partners and the public.
The Bureau also underscored the importance of strengthening the National Statistical System by fostering partnerships that encourage wider production and utilisation of demand-driven official statistics.
Roofings’ growth story
During the engagement, Roofings Limited showcased its remarkable transformation over the past three decades.
The company revealed that it has grown from an initial investment of US$2 million in 1994 into an industrial enterprise valued at more than US$500 million, reflecting sustained investment in manufacturing, value addition and export-oriented production.
Today, Roofings ranks among East and Central Africa’s leading steel manufacturers, supplying both domestic and regional markets while contributing significantly to employment, industrialisation and foreign exchange earnings.
Company officials attributed part of that success to strategic planning supported by market intelligence and reliable information.
Demand for credible business statistics
Roofings expressed interest in expanding its collaboration with UBOS in areas including trade statistics, industrial production data, export market intelligence and sector performance indicators.
The company noted that access to credible official statistics would strengthen strategic planning, improve production forecasting, support investment decisions and help identify new export opportunities while reducing dependence on unverified sources of information.
As Uganda seeks to expand its manufacturing base under its industrialisation agenda, businesses increasingly require accurate data to navigate changing domestic and international markets.
Building an evidence-based economy
Chief Executive Officer of Roofings Group, Sheikh Arif, said the engagement marked an important step in strengthening institutional cooperation between the private sector and the country’s official statistics agency.
He said the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting data-driven decision-making as a catalyst for industrial growth, innovation, competitiveness and sustainable economic development.
For UBOS, the engagement signals an increasing focus on ensuring official statistics are not only produced but actively utilised by businesses to improve productivity and guide investment.
