UBOS Strengthens Data Partnership with Roofings to Support Industrial Growth

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the private sector through the production and use of high-quality official statistics to support industrial planning, investment decisions and sustainable economic growth.

The commitment was made during a visit by a UBOS delegation to Roofings Limited at the company's manufacturing facility in the Kampala Industrial and Business Park, Namanve.

The delegation was led by UBOS Deputy Executive Director Dr. Vincent F. Ssenono, who represented the Executive Director and Chief Statistician of Uganda, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza. The team was received by Dr. Martin F. Kyeyune, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Roofings Limited, who presented the company's investment journey, operations and contribution to Uganda's industrial development.

The engagement focused on strengthening cooperation in the production and utilization of official statistics, particularly in areas such as industrial production, export development, investment planning and business growth.

Dr. Ssenono said reliable and timely data is essential for evidence-based decision-making and plays a critical role in improving productivity, competitiveness and industrial transformation.

"Official statistics are a strategic resource for both government and the private sector. Strengthening collaboration with industry helps ensure that the data produced responds to real economic and investment needs," he said.

During the discussions, Roofings Limited highlighted its growth from an initial investment of US$2 million in 1994 to a business now valued at more than US$500 million, underscoring continued investment in value addition, expansion of manufacturing capacity and export-oriented production.

The company said access to credible official statistics would support strategic planning, production forecasting, market expansion and the identification of new export opportunities while reducing reliance on unverified information sources.

Roofings Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sheikh Arif said the meeting had strengthened institutional relations between the company and UBOS and reaffirmed a shared commitment to promoting data-driven decision-making.

"Reliable statistics are increasingly important for industrial growth, innovation and competitiveness. Our engagement with UBOS will support more informed business decisions and long-term planning," he said.

UBOS also emphasized the importance of stronger partnerships with private sector players in enhancing the National Statistical System and promoting wider use of demand-driven official statistics across the economy.

Analysts say closer cooperation between the national statistics agency and major manufacturers could improve the quality of industrial data available to policymakers and investors, particularly as Uganda seeks to expand manufacturing output and exports under its industrialization agenda.

The engagement reflects a growing recognition that robust statistical systems are critical not only for public policy but also for private sector investment, productivity improvement and regional competitiveness.