Uganda eyes East African Statistics Bureau headquarters as new UBOS Statistics House breaks ground

ENTEBBE — Uganda has expressed interest in hosting the headquarters of the proposed East African Statistics Bureau as the country moves to strengthen its statistical infrastructure with the construction of a new Statistics House for the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) in Entebbe.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility was presided over by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, who said the project would boost Uganda’s bid to host the regional statistics body.

“We are here to break ground for the construction of the new Statistics House, Entebbe Office, which is a significant milestone. We are looking forward to bidding to host the East African Statistics Headquarters. One of the requirements is to have a home, and one wing of this building will be reserved for that purpose,” Musasizi said.

The Minister commended the UBOS Board, leadership and management for their commitment towards strengthening Uganda’s National Statistical System, noting that reliable statistics are essential for effective planning, policymaking and investment decisions.

He said the project, which is fully funded by the Government of Uganda, will provide a modern working environment for UBOS staff and enhance institutional performance.

The new Statistics House will feature a modern data centre, statistical training facilities, a conference facility and a Data Science and Innovation Hub where emerging technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence will be applied in the production of official statistics.

UBOS Executive Director, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, said the facility will transform Uganda’s capacity to collect, process and disseminate quality data needed for national development.

“This modern Statistics House, Entebbe Office will strengthen Uganda’s National Statistical System and enhance the country’s capacity to support evidence-based planning, policy formulation and national development,” Dr. Mukiza said.

He added that the facility will serve as a permanent data processing centre for censuses and large-scale surveys, reducing reliance on temporary operational spaces.

UBOS Board Chairman, Dr. Albert Byamugisha, described the groundbreaking as a major milestone in building a stronger and more sustainable statistical system.

He said the new facility will position Uganda to host the East African Statistics Bureau while promoting regional collaboration, knowledge exchange, employment opportunities and economic growth

“The new Statistics House will strengthen Uganda’s ability to generate timely, reliable and relevant statistics while providing a platform to embrace emerging technologies and new approaches to data production,” Byamugisha said.

The construction of the facility, to be undertaken by Roko Construction Ltd, marks a new chapter in Uganda’s efforts to modernise its statistical ecosystem and reinforce its role as a leader in official statistics within the East African region.