UBOS partners with religious leaders to promote data-driven devt

KAMPALA - The long-awaited collaboration between the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has finally taken shape, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at UBOS headquarters in Kampala on October 21, 2025.

The partnership is aimed at strengthening data use among faith-based institutions to enhance evidence-based decision-making in social, economic, and spiritual development programs across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the UBOS Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director Vincent Ssenono described the partnership as “long overdue,” emphasising that the collaboration between UBOS and religious institutions would help bridge information gaps within communities.

“We last met in August 2025 and made commitments to liaise and share notes so that religious leaders can effectively utilise data in these modern times. Numbers count in the Bible as well as in the Qur’an,” Ssenono said.

He noted that religion has always played a central role in Uganda’s social, moral fabric, and that integrating data use into faith-based activities would strengthen community transformation efforts.

“Since religion came to this part of the world, it has been instrumental in shaping economic, social, and political development. If faith-based leaders can keep and interpret their data, they will be better positioned to guide their congregations and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s Vision 2040,” he added.

As part of the agreement, UBOS will donate computers and tablets to the IRCU to help establish a data centre for improved record-keeping, monitoring, and reporting. The facility will also support the generation of statistics on social services provided by religious institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and humanitarian programs.

Representing Monsignor Kazimba Mugalu, the Secretary General of IRCU, Pastor Joseph Serwada welcomed the partnership as a timely step in empowering religious organisations to adopt modern tools of governance and accountability.

“Faith-based institutions are at the heart of community life in Uganda. We educate, heal, and nurture millions of citizens. Having access to accurate data will help us plan better, respond to community needs faster, and complement government efforts in national development,” said Serwada.

The MoU will enable the two institutions to collaborate in areas such as data collection, dissemination, and capacity building, particularly focusing on enhancing statistical literacy among religious leaders.

Through this partnership, UBOS aims to ensure that even at the grassroots, faith-based organisations can use accurate data to inform decisions on education, health, and social welfare.

Ssenono explained that Uganda’s Vision 2040 cannot be realised without the active participation of all stakeholders -including the religious fraternity - who command influence and trust across communities.

“When religious leaders speak, people listen. That’s why it’s critical to equip them with the right information to make their messages evidence-based and transformative,” he said.

The IRCU, which brings together Christian, Muslim, and other faith-based groups, has been a key partner of the government in promoting peace, unity, and social cohesion.

The new collaboration with UBOS is expected to expand its capacity to advocate for informed decision-making within its member institutions.

In conclusion, the signing of the MoU marks a new era of partnership between the spiritual and statistical communities.

By combining faith and data, UBOS and IRCU are setting a precedent for inclusive development - one that values both divine inspiration and factual evidence in shaping Uganda’s future.