Visualization and communicating data workshop in Uganda

As part of the capacity-building efforts to strengthen and facilitate visualization and communication of data, a one-day training workshop has been organized in Uganda. The aim of the workshop was to improve the ability of researchers, academics, and communication specialists to visualize and communicate/present data using publicly available tools. By using better and more suitable data, visualization tools, and research methods, the initiative aimed to improve research efforts and how findings are presented.

Participants at the workshop learning practical skills to visualise and present data. Photo: Davidson Ndyabahika

Practical learning through trial exercises and peer critique

Centre of Exellence for Sustainable Health team members and data visualization experts facilitated the workshop. Through presentations and hands-on exercises, the participants learned practical skills at the training, making it possible to teach valuable skills and encourage peer learning. This also involved trial exercises, participant presentations’ demonstrations, and peer critique.

From students to ministry workers

The target audience included students, academic researchers, consultants, communication specialists, and other participants from the private and public sectors who are either conducting research or planning to conduct research or individuals who presenting data or findings in the public or commercial sector. These individuals represented various areas, groups, institutions of higher education, ministries, and governmental bodies and came from various sections of the nation.

Improved visualisation skills and knowledge

A total of 44 individuals (23 women and 21 men) attended the session which was held on May 4th in Kampala, Uganda. Using the Centre’s Tools for Action to demonstrate data visualization with Python, data wrapper, and Tableau, the participants acquired invaluable visualization skills and knowledge. The participants were able to compile, visualize, package and present data or findings.

Building Capacity for Sustainable Development in the Fragile States (SDGCap) is a project by Makerere University in Uganda, Benadir University in Somalia, University of Kinshasa School of Public Health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Karolinska Institutet, Sweden under the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Health.