Uganda's new cities need stronger data systems to respond to infrastructure pressure, population shifts, climate risks, and changing service demands.
- Email: datacitiesuganda@gmail.com
About Us
Building the data foundations for Uganda's next generation of cities.
DataCities brings together civic leadership, technology, and evidence to help new cities plan, adapt, and deliver services with confidence.
About DataCities
Helping Uganda's new cities make better decisions with data.
DataCities is a collaborative initiative between Sunbird AI, UN Global Pulse, and ToroDev. We work with city authorities to strengthen the systems, skills, and culture needed to use evidence in urban planning and service delivery.
Our first partnerships are with Jinja and Fort Portal, where the initiative is testing practical approaches that can support Uganda's broader urban transformation.
The operationalisation of new cities created opportunities, but also exposed gaps in data access, coordination, and evidence use.
DataCities starts with city-level assessments, then supports tools, capacity, and institutional practices that make data useful for decision-makers.
Focus Areas
What We Are Strengthening
Data Collection & Analysis
Collecting and analysing city data on population, infrastructure, services, economic activity, and the environment.
Capacity Building
Supporting city officials and stakeholders to use data and evidence confidently in everyday decision-making.
Institutional Strengthening
Helping cities establish practical mechanisms for data governance, collaboration, and sustained use.
Data & AI Use Cases
Developing pilot tools that demonstrate how data and AI can support better urban planning and services.
City Profiles
Where We Are Learning
About Jinja City
Jinja city, also known as the Busoga sub-region, is located in the eastern region of Uganda and sits along the northern shores of Lake Victoria near the source of the Nile. Since it has the second-largest economy in Uganda after Kampala, factories …
Explore profileAbout FortPortal City
Fort Portal City, situated in western Uganda, is renowned for its beautiful landscape and strategic importance as a key tourism destination. Nestled at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon," Fort Portal offers breathtaking views …
Explore profile