Govt seeks to have new Statistics House block harmonize regional operations

What the report says

Uganda’s government is stepping up efforts to position the country as host of the proposed East African Statistics Bureau, according to The Observer. Finance minister Henry Musasizi made the pledge on August 6 while presiding over the launch of construction for a new Statistics House office block in Entebbe, which will house the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). He said the government would explore options and work with East African Community partner states to build support for bringing the regional agency to Uganda.

The article says the planned bureau is intended to improve statistical coordination across the region by harmonizing methods, supporting national statistical offices, and strengthening data sharing. Musasizi linked the project to Uganda’s wider development goals and urged contractor Roko Construction Company Ltd. to deliver the building on schedule and to standard, noting delays in public projects have been a recurring concern. Roko’s project manager said the company had mobilized staff and equipment and expected to complete the work within three years.

The new facility is described as part of a broader institutional effort to expand Uganda’s role in regional data governance. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, UBOS management and construction representatives. The Observer also noted that UBOS previously operated in Entebbe until 2006 before relocating to Kampala.

In a separate development included in the same report, UBOS and the National Building Review Board are preparing a nationwide survey of buildings to assess safety, regulatory compliance and vulnerability to hazards such as floods, fires and earthquakes.