Namutumba Enumerator Appeals for Help After Dog Attack During Census Duty
Namutumba, Uganda – A census official in Namutumba District is seeking urgent assistance after being bitten by a dog while conducting a census exercise.
Patrick Isabirye, an enumerator, was attacked by a dog at the home of Madina Nabirye in Kangulumo B village, Namutumba Town Council.
Isabirye reports that he is now unable to afford the necessary treatment and rabies vaccination due to delayed facilitation from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).
“I’m stranded without money for treatment after being bitten by a potentially rabid dog. UBOS has yet to provide us with any funds, which I would have used for medical expenses,” Isabirye stated.
He is appealing to well-wishers for financial support to cover his medical costs. UBOS Deputy Executive Director, Godfrey Nabongo, mentioned that they have not yet received an official report of the incident but assured that the bureau would handle the matter.
“Once we receive a formal report and the medical bill, UBOS will cover the costs as the affected person was performing official duties,” Nabongo confirmed.
Rabies, a vaccine-preventable but fatal zoonotic disease, requires urgent vaccination, which costs approximately Shs 350,000. This incident highlights the challenges faced by enumerators during the 2024 National Housing and Population Census (NHPC) exercise, which commenced on May 10th.
The exercise, scheduled to end on May 19th, has been extended by a day in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono due to technical issues.
The census exercise has been marred by various difficulties, including attacks that have resulted in the deaths of at least three enumerators. The situation underscores the need for better protection and support for field workers conducting critical national duties.
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