DATA DRIVE! UBOS unveils week-long Africa Statistics Day programme, puts water crisis in spotlight
By Evans Najuna
KAMPALA — The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has unveiled a week-long programme of activities to mark Africa Statistics Day 2026, placing water, sanitation and climate resilience at the centre of this year’s celebrations.
The celebrations, running from November 12th to 19th, will feature a high-level dialogue on how reliable statistics can help Uganda and other African countries improve water and sanitation services, guide investment decisions and prepare for climate-related risks.
UBOS will mark Africa Statistics Day on November 18th under the theme: “Institutionalizing Water and Sanitation Statistics for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Development in Africa.”
The programme was unveiled on Wednesday by Dr. Vincent Fred Ssenono, UBOS Deputy Executive Director, on behalf of the Executive Director, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, who doubls Uganda’s Chief Statistician.
Ssenono explained that this year’s theme seeks to highlight the importance of reliable statistical information in addressing water and sanitation challenges, particularly findings from the 2024 National Population and Housing Census.
According to the 2024 census findings, 81.1% of Uganda’s population has access to safely managed drinking water, while 43.1% benefit from safely managed sanitation services.
The statistics further indicate that only 24.3% of households have safely managed sanitation facilities with water and soap available at home, exposing significant gaps that require targeted interventions.
Ssenono emphasised that reliable statistics help authorities identify communities struggling with inadequate water and sanitation services, determine where investments are most urgently needed and monitor whether public interventions are reaching the intended beneficiaries.
The November 18th high-level dialogue will bring stakeholders together to examine how stronger statistical systems can support evidence-based planning, sustainable water management and climate-resilient development across Africa.
UBOS is mandated to develop and maintain the National Statistical System and ensure the collection, analysis and publication of integrated, relevant, reliable and timely statistical information to guide national development planning.
WEEK-LONG ACTIVITIES
The programme kicked off on Thursday, November 12th, with a media briefing and announcement of the 2026 Africa Statistics Day theme.
On Friday, November 13th, UBOS is scheduled to launch the Fourth Plan for National Statistical Development, the Fourth UBOS Strategic Plan and the UBOS Service Delivery Standards covering the 2025/26–2029/30 period.
Activities will continue on Monday, November 16th, with a seminar for statistics professionals, followed by a students’ symposium and sports gala on Tuesday, November 17th.
Wednesday, November 18th, will be the climax of the celebrations, featuring the high-level dialogue on water and sanitation statistics.
The week-long programme will conclude on Thursday, November 19th, with blood donation and tree-planting activities, with participation restricted to invited guests.
Through the celebrations, UBOS seeks to strengthen appreciation of the role of quality statistics in public policy, resource allocation and service delivery, while promoting institutional commitment to generating data that responds to Africa’s development priorities.
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