UBOS donates tablets and power banks to Kabale University

Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has donated 200 tablets and 200 power banks to Kabale University on behalf of the government of Uganda. This is part of the bureau’s efforts to assist non-profit organizations in making data-driven decisions. A total of 5,195 tablets were distributed to sixteen institutions, which included four cultural kingdoms and twelve educational institutions under the authority of the government. Godfrey Sempungu the Head of Communications and Marketing received the tablets on behalf of the University.

A handover ceremony was held at the head office of UBOS in Kampala on June 30, 2025. The UBOS executive director emphasized the importance of data in informing policy as he handed over the tablets. Moreover, he highlighted the role played by various stakeholders in sharing this vital data to inform policy decisions. A part of its broader agenda to build statistical capacity and promote an evidence-based planning and policymaking culture across institutions, UBOS initiated the exercise as part of its legal mandate to coordinate the National Statistical System (NSS) and provide high-quality statistical services.

In addition to universities, cultural institutions such as kingdoms received these tablets, which came with 20,000Amp power banks as well. In the national data value chain, higher education institutions play a unique and strategic role. The gadgets are intended to be used in various training and administrative processes. Omuhiikirwa Godfrey Byakutaga, the Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara, said kingdoms serve as custodians of communities, traditions, and local knowledge, making them vital partners in grassroots data mobilization and sensitization. The deep connection they have with their communities makes them ideal conduits for disseminating statistical information and mobilizing citizen participation in surveys and censuses.

In providing these vital tools to education institutions, the UBOS is bridging a critical gap in the national data infrastructure, ensuring that the data collected is accurate, timely, and widely utilized. It is hoped that this donation will contribute to the strengthening of the statistical culture in the Ugandan community. In addition to supporting data collection, this initiative also empowers educational institutions to make a meaningful contribution to national development. Increasing access to technology fosters innovation, improves efficiency in administrative tasks, and strengthens the role of higher learning institutions in data-driven decision making.

The 5,195 tablets were distributed as follows: Buganda Kingdom (1,000), Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom (550), Busoga Kingdom (500), Rwenzururu Kingdom (120), and Higher Education Institutions (Transfers) included National Council for Higher Education (75), Makerere University (700), Kyambogo University (350), Lira University (200), Gulu University (200), Kabale University (200), Mbarara University of Science and Technology (350), Busitema University (200), Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (200), Soroti University (150), Makerere University Business School (250), and Muni University (150) tablets.