Arua Census in Disarray: Allocation Errors and Technical Glitches Hinder Enumeration

The census in Arua City is off to a rocky start as enumerators and supervisors face a double whammy of allocation errors and technical glitches.

Left Out in the Cold:

Many enumerators who were shortlisted, interviewed, and even participated in the nine-day training program are now stranded at the Mayor's garden. The reason? They haven't been assigned specific enumeration areas. Allegations of irregularities during recruitment are swirling, with qualified candidates inexplicably excluded in favour of those not on the shortlist.

Frustration Mounts:

The situation has caused significant frustration among the affected enumerators. Abdul Hafiz, one such enumerator, expresses the collective disappointment of his colleagues. They were prepared and eager to contribute, only to be sidelined by unexpected setbacks.

Local Concerns:

Oyel Alex, the LC I chairperson of Awindiri cell, raises concerns about the impact on data accuracy. These allocation errors have the potential to disrupt the entire census process. He also criticizes the lack of involvement from local council chairpersons during the training and preparation stages.

Technical Troubles:

Adding to the woes are malfunctioning electronic devices. Enumerators report issues with charging, internet connectivity, and server overload, rendering the devices useless for data collection.

Official Reassurance:

Arua Resident City Commissioner, Ichogor Charles, acknowledges the challenges and attempts to calm public anxieties. He assures residents that everyone will be counted eventually. Efforts are underway to address the situation, including resolving missing materials like identification tags, aprons, and bags. Technical teams are also working on configuring the CAPI machines.

Looking Ahead:

The Resident City Commissioner urges patience while these issues are addressed. Once the necessary materials are distributed and technical issues resolved, the enumeration process is expected to resume swiftly.

A Need for Improvement:

The chaos in Arua highlights the need for a more efficient and transparent census process. Clear and fair recruitment procedures, proper training, and functional equipment are essential for accurate data collection. The Ugandan authorities must address these shortcomings to ensure a successful census in Arua City and across the country.