As the national census approaches, concerns surrounding various myths threaten the success of the exercise, particularly in the Mount Rwenzori communities. One prevalent myth suggests that counting children is an ill omen that may result in harm or death. Consequently, many parents provide inaccurate information about their family sizes during past censuses, fearing for their children’s safety.
To address these misconceptions and ensure the accuracy of the census data, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has partnered with the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) cultural institution to educate the community about the importance of the census.
Dr. Chris Mukiza, the Executive Director of UBOS, led a team to visit Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere at his palace in Kasese municipality. Mukiza emphasized the influential role of cultural leaders like King Mumbere in rallying community participation in the census, given their trusted status among their subjects.
Mukiza highlighted the significance of King Mumbere’s willingness to be enumerated first, which he believes will encourage positive participation among the subjects. Additionally, he revealed that this year’s census will include recording people’s clans to assess their strength within different cultural institutions, as requested by cultural leaders.
The census is scheduled to commence with the census night on May 9, 2024, followed by the enumeration exercise from May 10 to May 19, 2024.
King Mumbere expressed his commitment to mobilize his cabinet to conduct extensive sensitization campaigns through various platforms, including radio broadcasts, churches, and public gatherings. He acknowledged that previous census exercises in the Rwenzori region faced challenges due to political and social tensions, including rebel activities and cultural conflicts.
Mumbere shared his personal experience, noting that this census would mark his first enumeration as a resident of Kasese, highlighting the importance of accurate data collection for effective governance and resource allocation.
Various stakeholders, including Busongora South Member of Parliament Gideon Mujungu Thembo and Kasese LC5 chairperson Eliphaz Muhindi, expressed confidence in the success of the census and praised efforts to dispel myths surrounding the exercise. They emphasized the importance of ongoing sensitization efforts to ensure full participation and accurate data collection.
