The joint security forces in Kikuube district are still holding three people arrested yesterday for allegedly refusing to be enumerated in the on-going National Housing and Population Census (NHPC) Exercise.
The suspects identified as 58-year old Abel Kyaligonza, 42-year old Samuel Ndagizimaana and 28-28-year old John Ayebale , all residents of the same area, were arrested yesterday during an operation carried out by Police and the UPDF from their respective homes on the orders of the Kikuube Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Amlan Tumusiime in Kisonsomya Village, Bubogo Parish Kabwoya Sub-County.
Upon interrogation by RDC Tumusiime the suspects told him that, the bible does not allow them to take part in such activities, adding that, Census is against the teachings of the bible and if they had participated, they would be annoying God.
Despite several explanations by the RDC about the importance of this exercise, the three maintained that they cannot be counted. However, their other family members took off after seeing the security personnel in the area.
However, Tumusiime who is also a member of the Census Taskforce stated that, he received a call on Monday evening from the Sub-County Authorities notifying him about some families that had declined to be enumerated, adding that, they even chased away the enumerator and this forced him to take action.
He says the suspects who are currently detained at Kabwoya Police Post will be charged with sabotaging government program.
“they are some three family that have refused to be enumerated in this ongoing census exercise and the even brought out some arrows to chase away the enumerators I got concerned and promised to meet with the area sub county chief, the team and the chairman Lc1 who guided and brought me to these three families good enough the fourth one accepted.’’ Amlan stated.
The 2024 NHPC exercise is running until May 19th under the theme; “It matters to be counted”.
