In Jinja, a 29-year-old entrepreneur is currently in police custody, accused of seizing a tablet from a census worker who was performing her official duties during the National Housing and Population Census 2024.
Jennifer Awori, a fish trader operating from Kisima II Island on Lake Victoria in East Jinja City, confronted Annette Kibekityo, a 34-year-old who was indebted to her.
Awori allegedly took possession of the device, which is government property, as security for the unpaid debt.
Awori stated that Kibekityo, a teacher by trade but also involved in the fish industry, had procured 200kg of Tilapia and Nile Perch a year prior and then vanished, only to reappear wielding a tablet used for data entry in the ongoing population and housing census.
In an attempt to recover her funds, Awori, who was unaware that Kibekityo was performing a crucial national task, believed that the high-end tablet would compel her debtor to repay her.
Awori hastily took the tablet to the local vice chairman, known only as Kategere, who perceived the potential risk and reported the incident to the Walukuba Police Station.
The officers at Walukuba, apprehensive about meddling in the situation, promptly transferred the case to the Central Police Station in Jinja City.
As the saying goes, misfortune can strike in the most unexpected ways, and now Jennifer Awori finds herself facing serious charges of undermining government programs and assault, both of which are criminal offenses that could result in a lengthy stay in Kirinya Prison.
In the meantime, Annette has obtained a PF3 form from the police to strengthen her case against Awori.
Reliable sources indicate that Kibekityo will resume her duties tomorrow.
James Mubi, the spokesperson for the Kiira Region Police, remained reticent on the matter, directing inquiries to the City census officer.
The police have consistently cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands, reminding them that two wrongs do not make a right.