Government Hands Over 250 Computers to Bugisu Cultural Institution to Strengthen Data-Driven Development
The handover, which took place today, marks a significant step toward enhancing digital capacity within cultural institutions. The computers will primarily support data processing, information management, and other administrative functions aimed at improving evidence-based planning and service delivery. The Bugisu Cultural Institution was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Clet Wanduyi, alongside Hon. Alfred Geresom Musamali, the Minister for Information, Media and Communications.
In a deliberate effort to strengthen data-driven decision-making and support Uganda’s national development agenda, the Government of Uganda, through the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), has donated and transferred 250 computers to the Bugisu Cultural Institution.
The handover, which took place today, marks a significant step toward enhancing digital capacity within cultural institutions. The computers will primarily support data processing, information management, and other administrative functions aimed at improving evidence-based planning and service delivery. The Bugisu Cultural Institution was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Clet Wanduyi, alongside Hon. Alfred Geresom Musamali, the Minister for Information, Media and Communications.
This donation forms part of a broader UBOS initiative that has seen the distribution of 5,195 digital devices to 16 institutions nationwide, including four cultural kingdoms and twelve government institutions of higher learning. The initiative reflects government recognition of the strategic role these institutions play in Uganda’s national data ecosystem.
Cultural institutions serve as custodians of community heritage, local knowledge, and grassroots networks. Their deep engagement with communities positions them as critical partners in mobilizing citizens for national surveys, censuses, and data collection exercises. By equipping these institutions with modern digital tools, UBOS is closing a key infrastructure gap and ensuring that statistical activities are more efficient, inclusive, and far-reaching.
The devices are designed for field efficiency. They are password-free and come equipped with power banks capable of sustaining operations for up to four days without recharging. This feature makes them particularly suitable for use in remote or electricity-constrained areas, where consistent access to power remains a challenge.
Officials say the initiative will streamline the collection, processing, and utilization of statistics across vital development sectors. Beyond operational improvements, it is expected to foster stronger collaboration between cultural leaders, researchers, and government agencies. Enhanced access to digital tools empowers institutions to generate reliable data that informs planning, policy formulation, and community interventions.
By strengthening the capacity of both cultural and academic institutions, Uganda is advancing toward more transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based governance. The integration of digital tools into grassroots structures reinforces the importance of statistics as a foundation for national transformation.
Ultimately, UBOS’s donation represents more than the distribution of equipment. It is a strategic investment in cultivating a culture of data use across institutions closest to the people. By enabling these partners to actively participate in the national data value chain, the government is positioning communities to contribute meaningfully to shaping Uganda’s development trajectory.
