UBOS breaks ground for sh76b Statistics House in Entebbe
"When you give staff a good working environment, their productivity increases."The new Statistics House is expected to become Uganda's central hub for official statistics, research, innovation and capacity building, while reinforcing the country's commitment to evidence-based planning and regional statistical cooperation.
The site along Kampala-Entebbe road where the statistics house is being constructed. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)
The groundbreaking for the construction of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Statistics House in Entebbe Municipality marks a major milestone in strengthening the country's national statistical system.
The facility along the Kampala-Entebbe highway is funded by the government of Uganda and is expected to be completed within three years.
It is being built by ROKO Construction Company at a cost of sh76 billion and will comprise four upper floors and three basement levels.
Finance minister Henry Musasizi officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday.
He commended UBOS for its performance, describing it as the best statistical institution in the East African region.
"When you give staff a good working environment, their productivity increases."
The new Statistics House is expected to become Uganda's central hub for official statistics, research, innovation and capacity building, while reinforcing the country's commitment to evidence-based planning and regional statistical cooperation.
UBOS executive director Chris Mukiza described the groundbreaking as the beginning of a new chapter for the bureau, saying the modern facility will enhance the institution's operational capacity and position Uganda as a regional leader in statistics.
Some of the UBOS board members, management members and Entebbe leaders having a photo moment with minister Musasizi during the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Statistics house being constructed in Entebbe municipality. (Credit: Julius Luwemba)
Mukiza said the building will house offices reserved for the proposed East African Statistics Bureau, a move he said would create employment opportunities for Ugandans while boosting tourism and regional integration.
The facility will be equipped with modern ICT infrastructure, a data science and innovation hub, and an in-house statistics training centre to strengthen staff capacity.
He said the new facility will provide sufficient space for future censuses and large-scale national surveys, reducing operational costs.
"We shall have a data science and innovation hub because there are many emerging issues that require modern scientific techniques, including the use of big data and artificial intelligence."
UBOS board chairman Albert Byamugisha said the project signifies more than the start of construction works.
"It reflects the government's continued commitment to strengthening Uganda's national statistical system and its investment in evidence-based planning, policy formulation and sustainable national development," he said.
Byamugisha appealed to the finance minister to champion Uganda's bid to host the East African Statistics Bureau, which he said could be headquartered in the new facility.
To the Entebbe municipality leaders led by the mayor Fabrice Rulinda, the construction comes with job opportunities for residents as well as giving a facelift to the lakeside municipality, which is Uganda's main gateway.