UBOS retreat highlights teamwork, integrity to improve performance

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has concluded a five-day staff retreat aimed at strengthening teamwork, professional integrity and discipline to enhance performance across the statistical production chain.

Opening the retreat, UBOS Executive Director and Chief Statistician, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, urged staff to understand and embrace the Bureau’s vision, mission and core values, saying they must lead by example in executing their responsibilities.

“You are the bearer of the vision, mission and core values of the Bureau; you must, therefore, be the champion and lead by example,” Dr. Mukiza said.

He called on staff to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, trust and commitment, noting that institutional effectiveness depends not only on individual performance but also on employees’ ability to collaborate and remain focused on shared objectives.

Dr. Mukiza also encouraged staff to embrace constructive conflict as a tool for better decision-making and problem-solving.

He highlighted the five dysfunctions of a team,absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability and inattention to results, and warned that conduct contrary to the Bureau’s expectations could attract sanctions under the UBOS Human Resource Manual.

At the close of the retreat, Deputy Executive Director Dr. Vincent F. Ssenono urged staff to build trust, strengthen collaboration and develop a stronger sense of shared purpose.

He said the retreat provided an opportunity for staff to reflect on their individual and collective responsibilities, appreciate the contributions of different departments and identify ways to work together more effectively in delivering UBOS’s mandate.

The retreat brought together staff from the Office of the Executive Director, including the Risk Management and Compliance Department, Public and Media Relations, and Professional Services.