UBOS, ICT ministry clash over national data strategy

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has challenged the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance over its launch of a National Data Strategy, arguing that the initiative breaches the law governing the collection, coordination and dissemination of official statistics.

In a public statement issued by Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, the Bureau’s Executive Director and Chief Statistician on Wednesday, UBOS said the strategy infringes on its mandate under the Uganda Bureau of Statistics Act, 1998, which designates the Bureau as the principal agency responsible for collecting and disseminating data and coordinating, monitoring and supervising the National Statistical System.

The Bureau said the law empowers it to provide central statistical services, standardise the collection and publication of statistics, review national and local government data-collection initiatives, and approve instruments used in collecting data.

These include census frameworks, registers, sample designs and questionnaires.

“UBOS informs the public that the MoICT&NG has no legal mandate to spearhead matters incidental to statistics,” the statement said, adding that the responsibility rests with the Bureau.

UBOS described the launch of the strategy as “illegal” and “irregular”, arguing that it threatens the legal framework established under the UBOS Act and adds no value to the National Statistical System.

The Bureau further argued that the areas the strategy seeks to address are already covered by existing frameworks, including the Plan for National Statistics Development, the UBOS Strategic Plan and the Data Quality Assessment Framework.

It urged the public to treat the strategy with contempt, signalling a strong institutional disagreement over responsibility for national data governance.

UBOS said it remained committed to providing high-quality statistical services to support evidence-based planning, policy formulation and decision-making.