Joseph Nsabiyumva

I didn't want to comment on this kerfuffle between UBOS and @MoICT_Ug over the newly launched National Data Strategy (UNDS) prematurely. So as someone who has been reading government policy documents (mostly on data/ICT governance and statistical development) for a living for 15yrs, I decided to read the UNDS first which I did last night. 1. The UNDS is a robust, 90-page document that outlines major pillars, governance approaches, and a detailed implementation for a ‘coordinated, and vibrant data-driven economy for socio-economic transformation’ of Uganda. Ironically it mentions UBOS some 22 times, with several tasks such as standardizing primary datasets, ensuring data quality, and managing data dissemination allocated to the Bureau as a lead agency in implementation. This raises a critical coordination question: Did MoICT&NG develop this strategy without UBOS’s full institutional participation? Did MoICT&NG unilaterally assign these roles? Hard to believe. 2. Similarity of UNDS to UBOS’s existing statistical strategies and policies When placed side-by-side, the UNDS and UBOS’s Five-Year Plan for National Statistical Development (PNSD IV) have some similarities: A. On Data/statistical Governance: The UNDS sets up an institutional framework with three components: the National Data Steering Committee (NDSC), which will serve as the governance organ; the National Data Office (NDO) headed by a ‘Chief Data Officer’ at level of commissioner; and with linkages to data personnel in all MDAs. UBOS’s PNSD IV implementation plan also has a National Statistical System (NSS) Technical Steering Committee chaired by The UBOS Executive Director which oversees the implementation of the PNSD IV in MDAs, LGs, CSOs and Cultural institutions. The other irony is that the PNSD4 mentions MoICT among the executive committee members of this committee. So on a human level it is understandable how UBOS would see this new effort by MoICT as a threat to its very mandate. I have attached on this post organograms of the UNDS’s National Data Office, and those of UBOS and the PNSD committees. The similarities are striking. B. Both documents cite institutional silos as a core problem, yet they seem to have been developed in silos. C. Both prioritize leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and big data analytics. D. Both place a premium on data protection, ethical standards, and bridging data literacy deficits among civil servants. E. Both cite the National Development Plan and Vision 2040 as their guiding lights. 3. "Data" versus ‘Statistics’ Vs. "Official Statistics" and Legal Mandate UBOS’s letter has also generated debate on where its mandate really is: Is it data or statistics? What is the difference? Does the bureau overreach in its legal interpretation by conflating "Data" with statistics or “Official Statistics."? The UBOS Act of 1998 designates the bureau as “a coordinating, monitoring and supervisory body for the national statistical system (NSS) and for other matters incidental to the foregoing...” and goes ahead to define the NSS as [...."national statistics system" includes ALL agencies in Uganda, whether Government or not, responsible whether under any enactment or otherwise for gathering statistical data directly through surveys or through administrative action” . ). UBOS's public letter seems to suggest that the MOICT&NG vua UNDS usurps this statutory role. But the UNDS tackles issues beyond official statistics and seeks to leverage broad digital and data economy assets like telecommunications, data centers, cybersecurity, API gateways, AI sandboxes, cross-border digital trade etc. Recently though UBOS has also been innovating to seize the moment of the data revolution. Lawyers can advise here. 4. A Constructive Way Forward I think the 2 MDAs should just talk to each other and harmonize. Read my full analysis on LinkedIn& learn more on coordination challenges of public policy in UG