UBOS strengthens leadership capacity as fourth staff cohort graduates from Kyankwanzi

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has graduated its fourth cohort of staff from the National Leadership Institute (NALI) after completing a four-week Transformative and Leadership Development Course aimed at strengthening patriotism, strategic thinking, ideological orientation and leadership skills.

The graduation ceremony, held on Sunday at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi District, marked another milestone in UBOS’ efforts to build a values-driven and highly competent workforce capable of producing quality official statistics to support Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

Representing UBOS Executive Director Dr Chris N. Mukiza, the Deputy Executive Director, Dr Vincent Fred Ssenono, congratulated the participants and urged them to put the knowledge and leadership skills acquired during the training into practice.

Addressing the graduates under the theme, “Data as the Bedrock of National Transformation,” Dr Ssenono said the course had deepened participants’ understanding of Uganda’s development agenda while strengthening their ability to contribute to evidence-based policymaking.

“The time you have spent at NALI has been about sharpening your understanding of Uganda and aligning your professional expertise with the country’s broader aspirations. You have not simply been here to learn statistics, but to better understand the nation you serve,” he said.

He described NALI as a centre of excellence that has produced many of Uganda’s distinguished political, military and public-sector leaders, noting that the institute continues to nurture disciplined, patriotic and visionary public servants.

Dr Ssenono reminded the graduates that UBOS has a critical responsibility to produce official statistics that inform government policy and national planning.

“Official statistics should extend beyond the production of reports. They must provide evidence that informs policy formulation, guides national planning and improves service delivery across sectors such as health, education and agriculture,” he said.

He added that Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) require public servants who appreciate not only how to generate statistics but also their role in transforming citizens’ lives.

Dr Ssenono challenged the graduates to become purpose-driven leaders by embracing integrity, discipline, strategic thinking and teamwork while mentoring colleagues and promoting excellence within the Bureau.

“As custodians of Uganda’s official statistics, you have a responsibility to ensure that the data produced by the Bureau remains credible, timely and relevant to the country’s development agenda,” he said.

He also commended UBOS management for investing in staff development and thanked NALI for its continued partnership in building leadership capacity within the public service.

Speaking at the ceremony, NALI Director Col. Okei Rukogota praised the UBOS participants for their discipline, patriotism and commitment throughout the four-week programme.

“I want to thank you for having been brilliant, willing and patriotic students throughout your stay here. Although I may not have spent much time with you physically, I received daily reports on your progress, your patriotic zeal and your commitment to the programme. I am delighted that you have emerged as such a great team,” he said.

Col. Rukogota applauded UBOS for entrusting the institute with developing transformational leaders capable of supporting Uganda’s national development agenda.

He encouraged the graduates to view leadership as a lifelong journey of service and continuous improvement.

“When you came here, you were different. Today, you leave with a deeper appreciation of leadership and national service. Leadership is never complete; it is continually refined through service, sacrifice and commitment. The true test of leadership is demonstrated in the struggles you overcome and the contribution you make to society,” he said.

The Transformative and Leadership Development Course forms part of UBOS’ broader staff capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening the National Statistical System through a skilled, disciplined and patriotic workforce.

The ceremony concluded with the award of certificates to the graduates, who pledged to uphold the values of patriotism, professionalism, integrity and excellence as they continue supporting evidence-based decision-making and Uganda’s socio-economic development.