The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) has wrapped up a five-day staff retreat, with participants emerging more united, professionally grounded, and disciplined in their approach to the national statistical production chain.
While the retreat featured guidance from leadership, the real highlight was the staff’s collective resolve to internalize the bureau’s core values and translate them into daily practice.
From interactive sessions on team dynamics to frank discussions on professional accountability, employees at all levels demonstrated a renewed commitment to working as one cohesive unit.
Dr Chris Mukiza, Ubos executive director, set the tone by reminding staff that they are the primary custodians of the bureau’s vision. He challenged them to lead by example, stressing that professionalism, integrity, trust and commitment are non-negotiable.
He also encouraged staff to view constructive conflict as a tool for better decision-making, rather than division, and cautioned against dysfunctions of a team such as absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results, among others.
In his closing remarks, Dr Vincent Ssenono, deputy executive director, praised the participants for their active engagement and urged them to carry the retreat’s lessons back to their workstations.
He emphasized that the event had allowed staff to reflect on both individual and collective roles, appreciate departmental contributions, and identify practical ways to collaborate more effectively in advancing the bureau’s mandate.
The retreat brought together participants from various offices and departments such as the office of the executive director, the risk management and compliance department, public and media relations, and professional services, among others.
Speaking on the retreat’s impact, Didacus Okoth, the Ubos principal public relations officer, said the staff’s transformation was evident throughout the five days.
“We as staff did not just attend sessions, we owned the process. We saw teams that previously worked in isolation openly sharing challenges and co-creating solutions,” he said.
“There is a palpable sense of renewed professionalism, stronger trust among colleagues, and a clear-eyed commitment to discipline. This retreat reminded us that our greatest asset is not just our data, but the people who produce it. They are now more aligned than ever to deliver with integrity.”