Government, Tooro Kingdom Sign a Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Data Collection, Planning

By Abraham Lincolns | Tooro

The government of Uganda has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tooro Kingdom aiming at strengthening statistical development and improving data collection and sharing investment opportunities.

The agreement was signed between the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and Tooro Kingdom aimed to support the establishment of a Statistical Unit within the Kingdom to coordinate the collection, compilation and dissemination of statistical information.

The two institutions will work to harmonize concepts; definitions and methodologies used in statistical production, while coordinating data collection activities to reduce duplication and improve information sharing among data producers and users.

The Executive Director of Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, said the Bureau implements the Plan for National Statistical Development, which is aligned with international, regional and national development frameworks. “The Plan for National Statistical Development is a framework for strengthening the statistical capacity of the National Statistical System to support Uganda’s results-based development and policy agenda,” Mukiza said.

Mukiza said the agreement reflects the Bureau’s role in coordinating the National Statistical System to ensure harmonized statistical production and efficient use of resources. He said UBOS would provide Tooro Kingdom with technical support and equipment to operationalize the Statistical Unit. Mukiza also directed UBOS staff to prepare a statistical abstract for Tooro Kingdom using existing data sources, including findings from the recently concluded National Population and Housing Census 2024 and the Baseline Education Census 2025, which is scheduled for dissemination later this month.

The Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, said access to localized data covering all nine counties of the Kingdom would support evidence-based planning and decision-making.

“For us to plan effectively, prioritize correctly, and serve our people better, we must rely on accurate data, credible research, to make informed decisions,” Akiiki said.

“You cannot manage what you cannot measure,” he added. Akiiki said the partnership comes as the Kingdom expands development programmes in sectors including health, education, youth empowerment, culture, tourism and economic transformation. He was accompanied at the signing by Hon. Joan Kantu, and said the collaboration would strengthen engagement and planning for communities within the Kingdom.