UBOS benchmarks statistical practices and governance in Hong Kong
UBOS said the team benefited from expert-led presentations, peer-to-peer learning, and practical case studies that deepened collaboration between the two statistical institutions.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) recently concluded a strategic benchmarking mission to the Hong Kong Census & Statistics Department, aimed at bolstering Uganda’s statistical infrastructure and enhancing governance practices.
Led by Board Chairman Dr. Albert Byamugisha and Executive Director/Chief Statistician Dr. Chris Mukiza, the UBOS delegation, comprised of board members and technical staff, engaged in comprehensive discussions and training to glean best practices in the production, management, and dissemination of high-quality official statistics.
The core objective of the mission was to learn from Hong Kong’s experience and expertise, ultimately improving the quality and accessibility of Uganda’s statistical data. The UBOS team participated in detailed sessions covering a range of critical areas, including:
- Structural Organization of the National Statistical System: Understanding the framework that supports the collection, analysis, and dissemination of statistics within a country.
- Labour Statistics Indicators: Examining relevant indicators for measuring employment, unemployment, and labor force participation.
- Population Censuses and Projections: Learning effective methodologies for conducting accurate population censuses and projecting future population trends.
- Government Finance Statistics: Gaining insights into best practices for collecting and analyzing government financial data.
UBOS underscored the importance of these modules in enhancing its statistical infrastructure. The team emphasized the focus on effectively communicating and disseminating official statistical data to ensure its accessibility, transparency, and relevance for informing policy formulation, planning, and public discourse in Uganda. The mission reinforces UBOS’ commitment to continuous improvement and international collaboration.
Strengthening Leadership and Governance:
Beyond statistical benchmarking, the UBOS team also participated in a high-level training program on Board Leadership in Risk, AI & ESG Governance, held at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers. This program was specifically designed to equip UBOS leadership with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of corporate governance.
The training focused on key strategic areas such as risk management, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), corporate governance principles, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) accountability. The program aimed to empower the board to make more informed, future-ready decisions that balance innovation, sustainability, and strict accountability.
According to UBOS, this investment in leadership development is particularly timely. With global governance standards evolving rapidly, the program will strengthen UBOS’s ability to make decisions that are not only statistically sound but also ethically responsible and aligned with best practices.
The UBOS team benefited from expert-led presentations, peer-to-peer learning, and practical case studies that facilitated deeper collaboration between the Ugandan and Hong Kong statistical institutions.
Ultimately, UBOS believes this mission will contribute significantly to building resilient, high-performing leadership for sustainable statistical development, not only within Uganda but also across the region and the world. The agency remains dedicated to its mission of promoting informed decision-making through the provision of reliable and accessible statistical information.
