UBOS appeals on use of phones to collect data

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has appealed to Ugandans to appreciate the new methods of collecting data and information which involves using mobile phones.

Dr Chris Mukiza, the executive director of UBOS said when they call people for information, people respond reluctantly.

Mukiza said this Tuesday (November 17, 2020) during the launch of the celebrations of the weeklong Africa Statistics Day 2020. The function took place at the head offices of UBOS in Kampala.

He said UBOS was reviewing its methods of work to be more responsive to the increased data demand in terms of quality, quantity and timeliness.

"When we use mobile phones, the respondents take long to respond," Mukiza said.

He said they need to train traditional statisticians, university students on data science which involves the use of new sources of information like WhatsApp, printed receipts from supermarkets.

He said statistics have to start computing big data using computers. He said good information and decision making is closely linked to peace and security.

Dr Albert Byamugisha chairman UBOS said with the COVID-19 pandemic makes the need for official statistics very important as government tries to align its economic system to combat the emerging challenges.

 "Taking decisions based on wrong information can lead to fighting and disruption of peace," Byamugisha said.

Byamugisha said the government has adopted the programme based budgeting approach, which focuses on results and outcomes and this approach will be used to execute the NDP III.

He said statistics has now become a public good like any other goods and services consumed by the public.

"The results oriented approach requires detailed and relevant statistics as key inputs to ensure proper monitoring and evaluation. We must track service delivery at local government and ensure the measurement of the objectives of NDP III and Vision 2040," Byamugisha said.

"The bureau has to increase statistical literacy and ensure that the produced statistics are disseminated and used to create positive change in the lives of people," Byamugisha said.

He said the bureau has launched its clients' charter which creates a binding agreement between the bureau and the public who are the statistical clients.

He appealed to leaders to use statistics in their planning and execution of development programs.

The theme of the week is ‘Modernising National Statistical Systems to provide data and statistics to support sustainable peace and development in Africa'.