UBOS STAFF GRADUATE FROM NALI WITH A CHALLENGE: MAKE UGANDA'S DATA MATTER BEYOND THE REPORTS

The National Leadership Institute has passed out its fourth cohort of Uganda Bureau of Statistics staff following the successful completion of a four-week Transformative and Leadership Development Course, with graduates challenged to return to their duty stations as purpose-driven custodians of data that must do more than fill government reports.

The graduation ceremony held on Sunday, 26th July 2026, at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi District marked another milestone in UBOS' commitment to building a competent and values-driven workforce capable of producing the quality official statistics that underpin Uganda's socio-economic planning and transformation agenda.

Representing UBOS Executive Director Dr Chris N. Mukiza, Deputy Executive Director Dr Vincent Fred Ssenono congratulated the graduates and challenged them to translate the leadership principles acquired during the training into their daily professional conduct at the Bureau.

Speaking on the theme "Data as the Bedrock of National Transformation," Dr Ssenono said the course had gone beyond statistics to broaden participants' understanding of Uganda's development aspirations.

"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 urged the graduates to ensure that the data produced by UBOS remains credible, timely and relevant to the country's development priorities, warning against a culture of report production that stops short of genuine policy impact. "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.

Dr Ssenono noted that Uganda's ambitions under Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan require public servants who understand not only how to produce statistics but why those statistics matter in improving the lives of ordinary citizens. He described NALI as a cradle of leadership that has shaped many of Uganda's most distinguished political, military and public-sector figures and commended UBOS management for its continued investment in staff capacity development.

National Leadership Institute Director Col Okei Rukogota commended the UBOS participants for their conduct and commitment throughout the 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 encouraged the graduates to view leadership as a continuous and evolving journey rather than a destination reached at the point of certification.

"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 ceremony concluded with the award of certificates to participants, who pledged to uphold the values of patriotism, professionalism, discipline, integrity and excellence in service to the Bureau and the nation.