Ubos Statistics Week aims to increase statistical awareness 

Flavia Kyeyago Ouma, a senior Information Technology Specialist, says editing statistical data is a team task than an individual assignment and that clarity and consistency are key for best editing practices.

“Acknowledging data sources, timeliness, use of plain language, data validation and peer review, among others are key in technical editing across the divide,” she says.

This was during the Ubos staff undergoing skills development in the art of impactful statistical reporting to equip them with essential knowledge, skills and tools needed to produce accurate, high-quality statistical reports while adhering to the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.

Ouma’s submission was part of the ongoing annual Africa Statistics Week, which climaxes on November 22, 2024. The event, which has attracted hundreds of participants, started on November 15 and is hosted by Uganda Bureau Of Statistics (Ubos) with this year’s week focusing on education.

Under the theme, “Supporting Education by Modernizing Production Fit for Purpose Statistics” this year’s theme is aimed at casting a spotlight on statisticians who gather education-related statistics and how data is crucial in generating development policies critical for enhancing the education sector.

Celebrated across Africa, the annual event aims to increase statistical awareness in respective countries, increase public visibility, awareness and appreciation of quality statistics and their contribution to the attainment of national goals and priorities.

According to Betty Nawoova, the head of the public relations department at Ubos, they have hosted education experts, headteachers, teachers and government officials involved with education and had discussions on how they can strengthen education systems so that they can give Ubos correct statistics to supplement the national statistics.

“We have had several high-level engagement to explore how the modernization of data collection, analysis and reporting can better support education sector planning, improve decision-making and enhance accountability,” Nawoova said.

“We have also had a students’ symposium in Nkozi University to help us develop young statisticians. It is good that we groom the young people right from their institutions so that when they get into the job market, they understand what it means to produce quality data
and scientific information that can be used to support the development of the country.”

Other events include today’s Geo Information System (GIS) day under the theme “Mapping Minds, Shaping the World” which is aimed at sensitizing the public on the use and benefits of using GIS tools and applications at Ubos. During this session, the bureau will also launch the area maps taken during the March census exercise.

On Thursday, November, 21, the bureau will hold the Annual Gender Statistics Forum where it will disseminate the National Priority Gender and Equity Indicators (NPGEls) in addition to the women and men facts and figures. The week will be crowned with the National Statisticians’ Conference in alignment with the African Union theme of 2024, “Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century.”