By CHIMPREPORTS
By Happy Christine
In a landmark collaboration between the Government of Uganda and twelve United Nations (UN) entities, the Joint Programme for Data and Statistics (JPDS) has been unveiled, signaling a new era in the country’s data landscape. With a staggering investment of US$ 41,898,295, this initiative, led by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), is set to reshape the nation’s statistical capabilities.
The Joint Programme for Data and Statistics (JPDS), spanning the period of Uganda’s third National Development Plan (NDP III) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), is strategically designed to elevate the quality, relevance, and utilization of data aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It serves as a pivotal tool to enhance the National Statistical System’s capacity in data production, dissemination, and application.
During the official launch, First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, stressed the crucial role of statistics in effective resource management. “We cannot wait longer to have the outcomes of this program to support us in managing the equitable allocation of resources and informing evidence-based policy and decision-making,” she asserted.
In her detailed explanation, she emphasized the heightened awareness of the crucial role that statistics play in the economy. The demand for statistical information is substantial, accompanied by elevated expectations. She stressed that the government greatly benefits from the management of scarce resources when equipped with up-to-date statistical indicators. Urgency was underscored, as she emphasized the immediate need for the program’s outcomes to facilitate the equitable allocation of resources and contribute to evidence-based policy- and decision-making processes.
State Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Hon. Amos Lugolobi, expressed confidence in the transformative impact of the Joint Programme for Data and Statistics. He commended the collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, the UN, and development partners.
Dr. Albert Byamugisha, Chairperson of the Board of Uganda Bureau Of Statistics (UBOS), emphasized the program’s potential to enhance the National Statistical System’s development, making the Uganda Bureau of Statistics’s mandate more achievable by bringing all stakeholders on board.
Dr Chris Mukisa, the executive director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBoS), underscored the vital role of quality data in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets, citing efforts through the SDGs Data Technical Working Groups (TWG) to produce accurate statistics for effective reporting. Emphasizing the reliance on quality statistics for the National Development Plan, he highlighted its role in informing government performance and facilitating policy adjustments. The executive director expressed optimism about the Joint Programme on Data and Statistics, emphasizing its potential to enhance ongoing efforts. He noted that Uganda monitors 121 out of 201 Substainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators, with a 2024 target of increasing this to 150. Acknowledging progress, she highlighted the program’s essential role in strengthening Uganda’s statistical capacity for monitoring international and national development frameworks across the National Statistical System (NSS).
Susan Namondo, UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, celebrated the launch as a new approach to collaboration. Twelve UN agencies, including UNDP, UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, UNCDF, ILO, FAO, UNEP, UNAIDS, IOM, and UNGP, have joined hands with Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBoS) to streamline their support for Uganda’s data and statistics sector.
The launch event, attended by representatives from various sectors, served as a platform to disseminate the findings of a comprehensive Status Review of data and statistics in Uganda. Technical experts reaffirmed the critical role of data in tracking and accelerating Sustainable Development Goals’ progress. The panel discussion underscored the necessity of consolidating existing partnerships and building new ones for the successful implementation of the Joint Programme for Data and Statistics in Uganda.
The commitment from diverse partners reflects the significance of this joint program, poised to reshape Uganda’s data landscape and contribute significantly to achieving sustainable social and economic development. The ambitious investment and collaborative spirit showcased in the Joint Programme for Data and Statistics (JPD) launch mark a milestone in Uganda’s journey towards data-driven progress and development.
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