LAWLITE.
DATA PRIVACY | In Uganda, just like in many other countries, the government periodically conducts a census. It’s like taking a big snapshot of the country to understand how many people live where, what they do, and other important aspects. But sometimes, this can make people feel a bit uneasy, especially when it comes to sharing personal information.
You see, the census asks all sorts of questions, like if you own land, if you get money from relatives abroad, or if you have any health issues. It’s natural to worry about who might see this information and what they might do with it. Some people are concerned that if they tell the truth, it could lead them into problems.
Take Mr. Salim Uhuru, the mayor of Kampala Central Division, for instance. He mentioned that some households are nervous about telling the census enumerators about their property because they are scared of the taxman knocking on their door.
Now, here is the thing. The law says UBOS can ask for certain details to do their job right. And when they come knocking, you are supposed to give them truthful answers to the best of your knowledge. But don’t worry, they are not supposed to blabber about it to anyone else. It is like when you spill your secrets to a friend; you trust them to keep it under wraps, right?
The law says that the information you give in the census can’t be shared with just anyone, not even the taxman. It’s like a secret between you and the census people. Unless there’s a really good reason, like a serious crime investigation, your answers are kept under lock and key.
There are also rules to make sure that the enumerators who work on the census don’t misuse your information. They can’t use what they learn to make money, to intimidate you, post online or tell anyone else. If they break these rules, they could end up with a hefty fine or even a stint in prison. So, there’s a strong incentive for them to zip it.
But what if you are still feeling unsure? Well, you have rights! If you believe your privacy has been violated or that someone has misused your information, you can make a complaint. There is a whole process outlined in the data protection law for this. You can reach out to the Authorities and they will investigate your complaint. Plus, if you have suffered any harm because of a breach of privacy, you might even be entitled to compensation.
So, what can you do to protect yourself? Firstly, know that you’re not alone in feeling concerned. It’s natural to want to keep certain things private. Secondly, read up on your rights and the laws that protect you. Knowledge is power! And finally, if you are still feeling uneasy, don’t hesitate to speak up. Your privacy matters, and there are measures in place to ensure it’s respected.
It is nerve-wracking to spill your secrets to a stranger, even if they promise to keep it confidential. However participating in the census is important for the development of our country. The census helps the government understand its population better in planning for things like schools, hospitals, roads, and other services.
To give us your views; reach us through e-mail: juralmedia1@gmail.com
