UBOS Launches Religious Statistics Unit as Faith Institutions Receive Data Collection Tablets
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has launched a new statistical unit for religious institutions as part of efforts to improve the collection, coordination and production of reliable data from faith-based organisations across the country.The National Religious Institutions Statistics Unit was officially launched on September 17, 2026, during a ceremony at the Secretariat of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU).
The event also saw faith-based institutions receive tablets from the Council to support digital data collection within their respective institutions.Dr Vincent Fred Ssenono, Deputy Executive Director of UBOS, represented UBOS Executive Director Dr Chris N. Mukiza at the event. He emphasised the importance of using the newly provided tablets for their intended purpose and urged the institutions to focus on collecting accurate and high-quality statistical information.According to Dr Ssenono, reliable statistics are important to Uganda’s development because they provide information that can be used for proper planning and informed decision-making. He encouraged the participating institutions to ensure that the information they collect is accurate, properly recorded and useful.
The tablets are expected to make data collection within the faith-based institutions easier and more organised. Instead of relying heavily on traditional methods, the institutions will be able to use the digital devices to collect and manage statistical information more efficiently.Dr Ssenono also reaffirmed UBOS’ commitment to supporting the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda in developing its statistical capacity. He pledged full technical support from the Bureau to help operationalise the Statistical Unit that has been established at the Council’s Secretariat.
The newly launched National Religious Institutions Statistics Unit is expected to strengthen coordination of statistical activities among faith-based institutions. It will also support efforts to produce quality data that can provide a clearer picture of the activities and contribution of religious institutions.The development comes at a time when accurate data is increasingly important for planning and monitoring development programmes. Religious institutions are involved in a wide range of activities within communities, making reliable information about their work useful for planning and coordination.
Through the new unit, faith-based institutions are expected to have a more coordinated approach to statistical activities. UBOS will provide technical guidance while the institutions contribute by collecting and providing accurate information from their areas of operation.The handover of the tablets and launch of the statistics unit therefore mark a step towards strengthening Uganda’s national data system. The initiative is expected to help faith-based institutions play a greater role in producing reliable statistics that can support planning and Uganda’s broader development process.
