By CEO East Africa Magazine
The Bank of Uganda (BoU) has launched a redeveloped website (www.bou.or.ug) aimed at improving public access to information, enhancing digital engagement, and strengthening communication as part of its broader institutional mandate.
Speaking at the official launch, the Governor described the new platform as an upgrade designed to improve accessibility, usability, and the quality of interaction between the central bank and its stakeholders.
The initiative comes at a time when the role of communication in central banking is evolving. The Governor noted that in modern economies, trust is increasingly shaped by the speed, accuracy, and clarity of information, placing greater responsibility on institutions to communicate effectively with both technical audiences and the general public.
Communication as a Policy Tool
The redevelopment of the website is positioned as part of a broader effort to strengthen how the central bank delivers on its mandate of promoting price stability and maintaining a sound financial system. According to the Governor, these objectives require not only sound policy decisions but also credible communication that informs and builds public confidence.
He observed that central banking globally has moved beyond what was previously described as “monetary mystique,” with communication now playing a central role in enhancing transparency, accountability, and policy effectiveness.
Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego (left) and Collin Babirukamu, Executive Director IT at the Bank of Uganda, follow proceedings during the launch of the central bank’s redesigned website—an initiative aimed at strengthening digital access, data transparency, and real-time public engagement.
The redesigned platform introduces several functional improvements aimed at making information more accessible and actionable. These include a faster and more intuitive user experience across devices, as well as an interactive data portal that allows users to explore, visualise, compare, and download datasets.
The website also features a 24/7 virtual assistant named “Pillar,” designed to support navigation, respond to user queries, and link users to the bank’s complaints system, with the intention of strengthening responsiveness and accountability.
In addition, the platform reorganises publications and reports into a more comprehensive and searchable repository, improving access to official information.
Internal Accountability and Data Timeliness
While highlighting the platform’s capabilities, the Governor underscored the importance of maintaining timely and up-to-date information. He noted that the effectiveness of the website depends on the consistency with which data and documents are uploaded, emphasising that outdated information would undermine its purpose.
The Bank also reiterated its commitment to balancing openness with responsibility. The Governor stated that transparency must be aligned with confidentiality and security requirements, guided by institutional strategy and Uganda’s legal framework, including the Data Protection and Privacy Act.
This approach, he noted, is consistent with international best practices, which recognise the need to protect sensitive information while promoting accountability and effective policymaking.
Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego (right) officiates the launch of the Bank of Uganda’s redesigned website alongside Ishta Atukunda, Head of Media Relations, marking a shift toward enhanced digital communication, data accessibility, and real-time public engagement.
Broader Impact and Stakeholder Value
The redesigned platform is expected to enhance access and engagement across key stakeholder groups. The public will benefit from clearer information and more direct interaction channels, while researchers gain improved access to statistical resources. Media organisations are set to access verified information more quickly, and market participants will have better tools and data to support decision-making.
Overall, the Governor framed the platform as enabling greater access, stronger engagement, and improved service delivery in line with the Bank’s mandate. Users have been encouraged to actively engage with the site—exploring features such as the data portal and virtual assistant, while providing feedback to support continuous improvement.
He further described the website as more than a technical upgrade, positioning it as a reflection of the Bank’s core values—transparency, accountability, integrity, teamwork, and excellence—and part of a broader effort to build a more accessible and responsive central bank within Uganda’s evolving socio-economic landscape.
