UBOS pushes data-driven planning for water and sanitation
UBOS says reliable statistics on access to clean water and sanitation can help the Government identify underserved communities, direct investment to areas with the greatest needs and track whether public resources are reaching the intended beneficiaries
(L-R); Deputy Executive Director at UBOS Dr. Vincent Fred Ssenono, with the Director, Methodology and Statistical Coordination Services, Uganda Bureau of Statistics , Thomas Rutaro, during a presser at Statistics House in Kampala on November 12, 2026. (Photos by Maria Wamala)
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The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) will use this year's Africa Statistics Day to promote the use of data in planning water and sanitation services and preparing communities for the effects of climate change.
The bureau will hold a high-level dialogue on November 18 as part of a week-long programme running from November 12 to 19.
The celebrations will be held under the theme, Institutionalising Water and Sanitation Statistics for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Development in Africa.
UBOS says reliable statistics on access to clean water and sanitation can help the Government identify underserved communities, direct investment to areas with the greatest needs and track whether public resources are reaching the intended beneficiaries.
The focus is on making water and sanitation data a practical tool for planning and monitoring service delivery, particularly as communities face growing climate-related challenges.
2nd from the right is Deputy Executive Director at UBOS Dr. Vincent Fred Ssenono, with Director, Methodology and Statistical Coordination Services, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Thomas Rutaro (2nd left) during a presser at Statistics House in Kampala on November 12, 2026.
The details are contained in a release issued by UBOS executive director Dr Chris Mukiza on Thursday ahead of Africa Statistics Day.
Africa Statistics Day was adopted in May 1990 during the 16th meeting of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Conference of African Ministers responsible for Planning and Economic Development.
Marked every November 18, the day raises awareness of the importance of reliable statistics in driving social and economic development, improving governance and guiding government decisions.
The programme will also feature the launch of three institutional documents on Friday, November 13: the fourth Plan for National Statistical Development, the fourth UBOS Strategic Plan and the UBOS Service Delivery Standards for 2025/26 to 2029/30.
Other activities include a seminar for statistics professionals on November 16, a students' symposium and sports gala on November 17, and the main dialogue on water and sanitation statistics on November 18.
The week will close on November 19 with community activities, including blood donation and tree planting.
UBOS executive director and chief statistician Dr Chris Mukiza is spearheading the celebrations.
The bureau said participation in the scheduled activities would be by invitation.