The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has bid farewell to 125 young professionals who successfully completed a two-month internship programme designed to equip them with practical skills and workplace experience.
The programme gave the interns an opportunity to complement the theoretical knowledge acquired at their respective universities with hands-on experience in a professional environment, preparing them for the demands of the labour market.
Addressing the interns during the farewell ceremony, UBOS Executive Director, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, challenged them to put the knowledge and skills gained at university and during their internship into practice and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s development.
Dr. Mukiza emphasised that education becomes valuable when it is translated into practical solutions to real-life challenges. He urged the young professionals to remain curious, adaptable and committed to continuous learning.
“Learn new skills because life is very competitive,” Dr. Mukiza advised, encouraging the interns to continuously improve themselves and remain prepared for the changing demands of the world of work.
He also highlighted discipline, hard work, integrity and a positive attitude as essential attributes for professional growth and success, urging the interns to carry the lessons and experiences gained at UBOS into their future studies and careers.
The Executive Director commended the interns, who were drawn from institutions including Makerere University, Makerere University Business School, Kyambogo University, Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, Islamic University in Uganda, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Ndejje University, among others, for their good conduct throughout the programme.
Dr. Mukiza noted that he had not received any negative reports about the interns’ behaviour, a reflection of their discipline and professionalism during their time at the Bureau.
He further assured the young professionals that UBOS would retain their details in its database for possible future engagement. He encouraged them to become ambassadors of the Bureau in their universities, communities and future workplaces.
Speaking on behalf of the interns, Reagan Opio expressed appreciation to UBOS for providing them with an opportunity to gain practical experience and exposure to the workplace.
He said the internship had helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application while strengthening the interns’ professional skills, confidence and understanding of the importance of official statistics.
The young professionals also thanked the management and staff of UBOS, together with their supervisors and mentors, for the guidance, support and knowledge shared with them throughout the two-month programme.
The farewell ceremony, held on Friday last week, marked the end of the interns’ time at UBOS and the beginning of their journey into the world of work.
The Bureau encouraged the graduates to share the knowledge, ideas and experiences gained during their internship with fellow university students, enabling more young people to appreciate the values, lessons and opportunities associated with professional development.
Through its internship and graduate trainee programmes, UBOS continues to provide young professionals with opportunities to acquire practical skills and experience needed to compete effectively in the labour market.
