Namutumba, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | A census enumerator in Namutumba District is seeking assistance after suffering a dog bite while on duty in the ongoing census exercise.
Patrick Isabirye reported that he was attacked by a dog at the residence of Madina Nabirye, a resident of Kangulumo B village in Namutumba Town Council.
Isabirye mentioned that he has not yet received support from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), leaving him without funds for necessary treatment and rabies vaccination.
“I am here stuck after being bitten by a dog which is suspected to be rabied since UBOS is yet to give us any money. I would have used that for treatment,” he said.
He is therefore appealing for help from well-wishers.
Mr. Godfrey Nabongo, the Deputy Executive Director of UBOS, stated that they have not yet received a report about the incident.
Mr. Nabongo added that if the report is verified, the Bureau will address the issue, as the injured individual was performing official duties.
“I’m yet to receive a report on this incident in Namutumba but UBOS is ready to take care of this person because it is our staff,” Mr. Nabongo said.
He mentioned that the affected individual needs to submit the treatment costs to UBOS in writing, and the bill will be covered.
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Rabies, a fatal but vaccine-preventable zoonotic disease, typically requires a vaccination costing around Shs 350,000.
Since the 2024 National Housing and Population Census (NHPC) began on May 10th, some enumerators have faced various challenges, including attacks that have resulted in the deaths of at least three workers.
The 10-day census exercise is scheduled to conclude on May 19th, except in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono, where it has been extended by one day due to technical issues encountered by some enumerators on the first day.
