Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has issued a stern warning to Ugandans who intend to resist or sabotage the upcoming National Housing and Population Census, which is scheduled to commence this Friday. According to UBOS officials, those who refuse to participate in the census may face up to six months in jail or a fine of up to Shs600,000.
The penalties for non-compliance are outlined in Section 29(3) of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Act, 1998. This section states that any person who obstructs an authorized officer, such as enumerators and other UBOS officials, from performing lawful duties, refuses to provide required information, or makes false declarations, commits an offense.
"If convicted, the penalties under the Act include imprisonment of up to six months or a fine not exceeding thirty currency points (Shs600,000), or both," explained Mr. James Muwonge, the director of methodology and statistical coordination at UBOS.
Muwonge emphasized that UBOS prefers voluntary participation in the census, but they will resort to legal enforcement if necessary.
"We shall use peace, but if we come to your home the first time and you refuse, second time you still refuse, third time you still refuse, you can be taken to police, then court," he stated.
Addressing concerns raised by some groups, particularly the Enjiri Cult group, Muwonge dismissed claims that census enumeration is "satanic" and that those counted would die. UBOS officials assured the public that the census is conducted for the sole purpose of collecting information and planning. Meanwhile, UBOS has announced that slum dwellers, night shift workers, and the homeless will be among the first to be counted.
"We have arrangements with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to ensure that we reach out to all these groups of people and enumerate them on the first day of the census," Muwonge stated.
May 9 has been designated as Census Night, the reference night before the actual counting begins. Both Ugandans and foreigners on the country’s territory by Thursday night will be counted. However, Ugandans who will be out of the country by the index date will not be counted, even if they return within the 10 days when enumeration will be ongoing.
President Museveni, in a recorded video message, emphasized the importance of the census, stating that it will help the government allocate resources and plan for essential services such as health, education, and transport.
The census will involve questions related to biographical, economic, and social information of respondents. Enumerators will also collect data on births and deaths within households. The government has allocated up to 98 percent of the required Shs320 billion for the census, indicating its commitment to the success of the exercise.
Enumerators will be accompanied to households by Local Council I officials who are familiar with residents, ensuring a smooth and successful census process.
