UBOS hands over 60,000 tablets to ICT ministry for service improvement

16 December 2024, 6:06 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has officially handed over 60,247 tablets to the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. These devices, previously used during the national population and housing census, are now set to play a key role in supporting various government initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and coordination across the country.

The handover ceremony underscores the government’s commitment to maximising the use of resources for efficient service delivery. Speaking at the event in Kampala, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, emphasised the importance of leveraging digital tools to advance national development.

“These tablets will serve as a critical resource in implementing key government programmes, from electoral processes to wealth creation initiatives. They will enable the government to improve data management, monitor programmes, and enhance service delivery across various sectors,” Dr. Zawedde noted.

Following the handover, the Ministry of ICT distributed the tablets to several key beneficiaries, including the Electoral Commission (EC). The tablets will support activities such as voter registration, polling station management, and other aspects of the electoral process, especially as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections.

For local governments, these devices will enhance data management at the local level, enabling better planning, resource allocation, and implementation of community-based initiatives. For Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), the tablets will facilitate monitoring and evaluation of wealth creation programmes aimed at improving household incomes.

For the Parish Development Model (PDM), the tablets will support data collection, reporting, and implementation of PDM activities, a flagship government programme targeting poverty eradication through parish-level economic transformation.

According to UBOS, the redistribution of these tablets demonstrates a cost-effective approach to resource utilisation. Rather than procuring new devices, the government is repurposing existing tools to address pressing needs across multiple sectors. This initiative is expected to enhance efficiency, promote transparency, and improve the monitoring and evaluation of government programmes.

By equipping agencies like the Electoral Commission and local governments with digital tools, the government aims to strengthen accountability and reduce delays in service delivery. Additionally, the tablets will play a critical role in bridging the information gap between citizens and the government by enabling real-time data collection and reporting.

This initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader strategy of embracing digital transformation as a key driver of national development. The Ministry of ICT continues to spearhead efforts to digitise government services and promote the use of technology in public administration.

The Permanent Secretary reiterated that digital tools are essential in achieving the country’s Vision 2040, which seeks to transform Uganda into a modern, prosperous society. She highlighted that the distribution of the tablets is part of a series of efforts aimed at fostering a data-driven culture in government operations.

The handover and redistribution of these tablets mark a significant step toward enhancing government operations and service delivery. With the devices now in the hands of strategic stakeholders, it is anticipated that they will accelerate the implementation of programmes such as the Parish Development Model, improve the electoral process, and contribute to the overall development agenda of the country. The equipment was handed over by UBOS Executive Director, Chris Mukiiza, who thanked the government for purchasing the devices and urged those who have received them to handle them well.