UBOS warns of criminals masquerading as census agents

Chris Mukiza, UBOS Executive Director sounded the warning in a statement released on Saturday, February 10, highlighting the bureau's concerns over misinformation being spread on social media platforms.

As Uganda gears up for this crucial national exercise, reports have surfaced of impostors, described by Mukiza as "goons," who are visiting homes under the guise of UBOS staff.

These individuals are reportedly using official-looking letterheads to falsely claim they are verifying National Identity Cards for Census 2024 participation.

“UBOS wishes to inform the public that the ongoing Listing exercise is recording the name of the Household Head and geo-reference code for Households and Area boundaries,” Mukiza warned in a statement.

“In all UBOS statistical field activities including the listing of Households for Census 2024, our teams are accompanied with guides who are area LC 1 Chairpersons or an elected leader known to the area.”

He added that the bureau’s legitimate teams are currently conducting listings in several cities across Uganda, including Arua, Fort Portal, Gulu, Hoima, Jinja, Lira, Mbale, Masaka, Mbarara, and Soroti.

The operation is set to extend to the greater Kampala region, encompassing Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono districts, with additional visits planned to other districts to include households that were missed in earlier exercises.

To distinguish UBOS teams from impostors, the public has been informed that all official statistical field activities, including household listings for the upcoming census, involve personnel accompanied by guides.

These guides are typically area LC 1 Chairpersons or elected leaders familiar with the community, ensuring that the enumeration process is conducted transparently and with the trust of the local population.

In light of these fraudulent activities, UBOS urges the public to exercise vigilance and report any suspicious cases to the nearest police station.

The bureau has also issued a warning to those involved in these deceptive practices, stating that they will be held accountable and handed over to law enforcement authorities for prosecution.