Uganda Bureau of Statistics officials have advised all census enumerators to remain vigilant about their security while in the field, as assailants may target them due to their possession of tablets and power banks.
The caution is sounded by Joshua Mubulire, the bureau’s Communication Officer after three enumerators were confirmed to have died by yesterday.
These include Andrew Kasirye who was attacked by unknown people in Najeera, Annet Tibiwa who collapsed and later died in hospital in Namayingo, as well another, yet to be identified in Kiruhura district.
Now Mubulire emphasizes the importance of adhering to the designated working hours, with data collection starting at 7 am and concluding at 6 pm.
According to him, this schedule is meant to ensure the safety of all enumerators by allowing them to return home before dark.
“Our enumerators should strictly follow the prescribed time and exit the field while it is still early. Criminals are targeting them because of the valuable devices they carry,” Mr. Mubulire advised.
Ubos officials had previously informed this paper that each enumerator was tasked with handling approximately 80 to 100 households during the ten-day duration of the census.
The loss of the three enumerators has created a significant gap that cannot be easily filled by their colleagues.
However, Mr. Mubulire reassured that replacements have been swiftly arranged to ensure the uninterrupted progress of the census.
“During our enumerator training, we had a reserve force that was not deployed initially. We instructed them to remain on standby in case of any emergencies,” Mr. Mubulire explained.
“The deceased enumerators have already been replaced because the work must continue,” he affirmed.
The national census commenced on May 10 and has been ongoing across the country.
Within three days since its initiation, approximately 5.6 million people have been counted, covering at least 12 percent of the total area, as indicated by Ubos officials.
