Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has warned Ugandans who intend to dodge or sabotage the upcoming National Housing and Population Census, scheduled to commence this Friday, that they risk facing up to six months in jail or a fine of up to Shs600,000.
James Muwonge, the Director of Methodology and Statistical Coordination at UBOS, explained that 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 Muwonge.
He further stated that although UBOS prefers voluntary participation in the census, 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, the second time you still refuse, the third time you still refuse, you can be taken to the police, then court,” he stated.
This Friday, May 10, will be a public holiday as it marks the kickoff of the census. According to UBOS, slum dwellers, night shift workers, and the homeless will be among the first to be counted. Over 120,000 UBOS staff will move door to door to capture data of Ugandans.