Enumerators in Bugweri District, Eastern Uganda, are raising concerns following delays in receiving payments for their work during the recently concluded national population and housing census. On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, they took to the streets in peaceful demonstrations to voice their grievances.
The enumerators allege that the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has failed to fulfill its promise of timely payments, leaving them in financial distress. Holding placards, they expressed frustration over their colleagues in other districts reportedly receiving their facilitation while they have been overlooked.
Madina Naigaga, one of the enumerators, expressed disappointment, stating, “We have been patient for long enough. They assured us the money would arrive quickly, but we haven’t seen a single coin. We are tired of waiting. UBOS, pay us our money!”
Naigaga and her colleagues claim to have heard rumors that funds meant for them were being diverted to accounts of individuals who did not participate in the census. This alleged mishandling of funds further fueled their anger and prompted them to demand transparency.
“We heard that officials in the district are planning to redirect our payments. We do not trust them and we are here to speak up for ourselves,” Naigaga added.
Another enumerator, Pius, emphasized that they had signed clear contracts outlining their payment terms and questioned why they had not yet been compensated for their work.
“We did this work expecting to be paid. If it was voluntary, we wouldn’t be protesting. We demand our payments soon,” Pius asserted.
Yazidi Menya, echoing the sentiments, criticized what he described as “dirty games” in Bugweri District, suggesting deliberate delays in disbursing their payments.
“Even though UBOS’s deputy executive director, Mr. Godfrey Nabongo, acknowledged our situation and promised swift action,” Menya said.
The 2024 census, which began on May 9 and was originally scheduled to end on May 19 but was extended to May 25 due to initial challenges, employed enumerators on a daily wage basis of Shs50,000.
