Man Claiming to Be Jesus Arrested for Census Boycott in Luwero
In Luwero District, Wobulenzi Town Council, police have detained a man who claims to be Jesus Navas Vera, leader of the Star Glopper Eden Church, and several of his followers for evading participation in Uganda’s National Housing and Population Census.
According to Daniel Kikonyogo, the local council chairperson, this group went into hiding to avoid enumeration. The self-declared messiah has expressed opposition to the census, prompting charges under the Uganda Bureau of Statistics Act for defying a government initiative.
In a related development, over 100 families in Kamira Sub County, followers of the Enjiri cult, also refused to participate, branding the census as ‘Satanic.’
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) launched the census on May 10, 2024, under the theme “It Matters to Be Counted,” aiming to complete the enumeration of approximately 8.7 million households by May 19. However, due to initial technical issues, the census deadline in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono has been extended to May 20.
During a press briefing, Dr. Albert Byamugisha, chairperson of the UBOS board, announced the deployment of additional enumerators to meet the revised deadline and make up for the time lost on the first day due to technical glitches experienced with the Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) tablets.
Also read: Traditional Healer Arrested For Aggravated Defilement Of His 5 Children
