The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) is issuing a warning to individuals selected to work as census enumerators for the upcoming national census. They are urged to resist the temptation of stealing census gadgets, particularly tablet computers.
For the country’s first-ever digital national population and housing census scheduled for May 2024, UBOS plans to deploy over 110,000 tablet computers. These gadgets will play a crucial role in mapping census areas and conducting the census exercise over a 10-day period.
Despite the importance of these gadgets, UBOS emphasizes the need for enumerators to refrain from losing or stealing them, as such actions will result in severe penalties.
Chris Mukiza, the Chief Executive of UBOS, highlighted concerns about potential theft of the tablets, citing a similar incident in neighbouring Kenya during their last national census in 2019. Mukiza explained that some enumerators in Kenya absconded with census tablets, leading to data loss and disruptions.
To prevent similar occurrences, UBOS has implemented measures to ensure accountability among census enumerators and supervisors. Mukiza mentioned the requirement for National Identification Numbers (NINs) as part of the hiring process, enabling traceability of personnel involved in the census.
Mukiza also emphasized the legal consequences for anyone found guilty of stealing or losing census tablets, asserting that UBOS will take decisive action to track down offenders.
UBOS has invested significantly in the procurement of census tablets, totaling Shs. 132 billion. The first batches of tablets have recently arrived in the country after delays in procurement, contributing to the postponement of the census from its initial August 2023 schedule.
