UBOS AND TOORO KINGDOM SIGN STATISTICAL PARTNERSHIP TO DRIVE EVIDENCE-BASED PLANNING ACROSS THE KINGDOM

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics and Tooro Kingdom have entered into a formal partnership aimed at strengthening statistical development and production within the Kingdom, signing a Memorandum of Understanding that commits both institutions to coordinated data collection, sharing, and utilisation across Tooro's nine counties.

The MoU, signed during a formal ceremony, provides for the establishment of a dedicated Statistical Unit within Tooro Kingdom, designed to enhance the harmonisation of concepts, definitions, and methodologies used in the collection, compilation, and dissemination of statistical information.

The agreement also seeks to eliminate duplication of data collection efforts while improving networking and information exchange among statistics producers, suppliers, and users within the Kingdom and the Bureau.

UBOS Executive Director Dr. Chris N. Mukiza said the signing reflects the Bureau's broader commitment to coordinating Uganda's National Statistical System in a manner that ensures harmonised statistical production and efficient use of available resources.

"The Plan for National Statistical Development is a framework for strengthening the statistical capacity of the National Statistical System to support Uganda's results-based development and policy agenda," he said.

Dr. Mukiza further pledged that UBOS would provide Tooro Kingdom with the necessary technical capacity and equipment to support the full operationalisation of the Statistical Unit. He also directed UBOS staff to compile a dedicated statistical abstract for Tooro Kingdom, drawing on data from the recently concluded National Population and Housing Census 2024 and the Baseline Education Census 2025, the latter scheduled for dissemination later this month.

Tooro Kingdom's Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, welcomed the partnership, describing access to area-specific data as essential to the Kingdom's ability to plan and deliver services effectively across its nine counties.

"For us to plan effectively, prioritise correctly, and serve our people better, we must rely on accurate data and credible research to make informed decisions. You cannot manage what you cannot measure," he said.

The Prime Minister noted that the agreement comes at a particularly significant moment, as Tooro Kingdom works to strengthen its development agenda across sectors including health, education, youth empowerment, culture, tourism, and economic transformation. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would promote productive engagement and shared commitment for the benefit of the Kingdom's people.

The Prime Minister was accompanied at the signing by Hon. Joan Kantu, and extended his appreciation to the UBOS Executive Director for the Bureau's willingness to formalise the partnership.

The agreement positions Tooro Kingdom among a growing number of subnational institutions in Uganda formalising their engagement with the national statistics system, as the country moves toward greater reliance on evidence-based planning at both the national and local levels.