UBOS Strengthening SDG Data

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) is committed to enhancing the quality of administrative data to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) data quality. This statement was made by Kauda Aliziki, the director of Economic Statistics at UBOS, during the fourth quarter SDG Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting held at Hotel Africana.

The primary objective of the meeting was to provide updates on the progress of SDG indicators generated by Uganda and their overall performance. Uganda adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in September 2015, pledging to ‘leave no one behind.’Presently, out of the 232 global indicators, Uganda applies only 201, generating 121 indicators.

The country aims to reach 150 indicators by 2023, and 14 additional indicators are currently undergoing validation.During the meeting, participants emphasized the need to strengthen the quality of administrative data, as it forms a significant part of UBOS’s reporting on SDG indicators. Aliziki acknowledged the existing gaps in administrative data quality and assured that the bureau is actively working to address these issues.

She expressed the commitment of UBOS to ensure that all relevant government agencies participate in producing the necessary administrative data for generating crucial indicators.Aliziki highlighted that the meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on UBOS’s efforts in producing statistics for SDG monitoring and its dedication to achieving the 2030 sustainable development agenda.

As the responsible authority for the production, dissemination, coordination, and supervision of official statistics, UBOS is investing in generating high-quality data to facilitate SDG monitoring and reporting.Onesmus Kansiime from the SDG Secretariat Uganda stressed the importance of closing data system gaps to ensure data availability.

He suggested mobilizing around high-impact initiatives to achieve this goal. Kansiime expressed optimism about Uganda’s progress and highlighted the need for additional data to close the 80-indicator deficit, stating that reaching this target would put Uganda on track to achieve its data objectives.

Issa Conte, from the UN Resident Office, called for greater emphasis on data quality, noting that data is a valuable resource that has transformed societies. He stressed that data provides valuable insights and urged more efforts in generating the necessary data.Meanwhile, UBOS has launched a metadata handbook containing information on the methodology and compilation practices of SDG indicators.

This handbook aims to enhance understanding of the data among Ugandans, as data becomes meaningful when people comprehend how it is compiled, accessed, and what it represents.In conclusion, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics is committed to improving the quality of administrative data to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. The efforts of UBOS, along with collaboration from various stakeholders, will contribute to realizing Uganda’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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