Govt distributes universities, cultural institutions over 5,000 tablets

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The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has distributed at least 5,195 tablets to 10 universities as part of an initiative aimed at enhancing the dissemination of statistical data.

This initiative will also benefit cultural institutions, including Buganda, Bunyoro Kitara and Busoga, as the Government repurposes tablets previously used in last year’s scientific national census.

During a ceremony held at the UBOS headquarters in Kampala on Monday, June 30, 2025, executive director Dr Chris Mukiza said the tablets will bolster data collection efforts in the country and help complement their work.

“We procured 120,000 tablets during the National Population and Housing Census that concluded last year in May. One of the goals of this initiative is to empower those involved in statistical production, analysis, and teaching,” he said.



The census conducted in May 2024 revealed a total population of 45.9 million people in Uganda, reflecting an annual growth rate of 2.9% since the last census in 2014.

Enumerators used the tablets to collect data electronically, replacing traditional paper-based methods.

Out of the 120,000 tablets procured, 60,247 were later transferred to the Ministry of ICT for use in various government operations, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme and the upcoming 2026 elections.

UBOS board member representing academic institutions, Dr Allen Byakutaga, highlighted that the tablets will enhance the efficient production of statistical activities, focusing on data collection, research, and analysis.

“As a representative of academic institutions on the board, I am pleased to share that approximately 3,025 tablets will be allocated to ten government-funded institutions of higher learning. Today's event marks an important step in this process, and I commend all stakeholders involved,” she said.

She emphasised the significance of this investment for higher education institutions, noting the increasing demand for data-driven inquiry, research, digital access, and blended learning in the 21st century.

(L-R) Chris Mukiza Executive Director UBOS handing over a tablet to Andrew Byakutaga Kirungi Ateenyi the Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kingdom as Allen Kabagenyi Coordinator of Academia look on. This was during the donation of tablets to Cultural Institutions and government higher institutions of learning at Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) head offices Kampala on June 30, 2025. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

Additionally, she stressed the importance of continued partnership and collaboration between public institutions and UBOS, aiming to create a skilled, informed, and innovative generation that can contribute to national and global development goals.

Bunyoro Kitara's prime minister, Andrew Byakutaga, said they are establishing a statistical centre within the kingdom and expressed optimism that the new tablets will be beneficial.

“We pledge to use these tablets to improve statistical data. Historically, many kingdoms have relied on oral traditions for information, but we aim to shift from that approach because it is crucial to preserve information for future generations,” he stated.

Mukiza further emphasised the importance of utilising the tablets for teaching and training in universities and higher educational institutions, promoting data sharing.

He encouraged the public to visit the UBOS website to access data and provide feedback for improvement.

“We have vast amounts of data available for you to utilise, and we want you to make an impact on the government of this country,” he added.

He announced that they would share 10% of the census data relevant to various entities, whether related to population, agriculture, or aquaculture, to assist in analysis and networking.

For those needing additional data, user-specific requests can be made, he said, adding that UBOS is willing to accommodate those needs.

Mukiza also stressed that, since their work ensures that statistics are considered a public good, they do not sell the data generated using public funds.

Instead, users are allowed to utilise the data in ways that adhere to statistical regulations, emphasising the need to anonymise responses or provide data in aggregate form to protect individual identities.

Area Profiles

Meanwhile, Mukiza announced that area profiles have already been disseminated up to the parish level and are available on the UBOS website, providing detailed information on population numbers and other socio-economic characteristics. “We have accomplished this in record time,” he noted.

In statistics, area profiles are summaries of statistical data that describe the characteristics of a specific geographic area.

They provide a detailed picture of the population, demographics, housing, health, economy, and other relevant factors within that area.

These profiles are used to understand local differences, identify needs, and inform planning and decision-making.

According to UBOs, Buganda kingdom will get the highest number of tablets, 1,000, followed by Makerere University, 700 and Bunyoro Kitara and Busoga kingdoms, which will receive 550 and 500 tablets respectively.

Others are Mbarara University of Technology and Mbarara University of Technology, 350; Gulu University, 300; Busitema, Kabale and Lira universities, 200; Uganda Institute of Teacher Education, 120; Uganda Institute of Teacher education, 120; and National Council of Higher Education, 75.