By Obed Kankiriho
The Kabale Catholic Diocese has directed priests, catechists, and lay faithful to refrain from participating in an unverified village level exercise reportedly collecting National Identification Numbers (NINs) and personal details from Catholics, citing lack of official clarification and potential risks to personal data.
In a directive dated December 31 and issued from Rushoroza Cathedral Parish, the Diocese expressed concern over reports of individuals moving through predominantly Catholic villages in Kabale District and the wider Kigezi sub-region collecting names, contacts, and alleged NIN details. The exercise was reportedly being conducted under the authority of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture, Peace Rugambwa.
The directive, signed by the Rector of Rushoroza Cathedral Parish, Rev. Fr. Christmas Philip Austen, notes that although Rugambwa acknowledged awareness of the exercise, there has been no clear or official communication explaining its purpose, legality, or why it appeared to selectively target Catholic communities.
As a result, the Diocese instructed all Church leaders and faithful not to participate in, support, or facilitate the exercise, and to sensitize their communities accordingly.
The Diocese also notified Resident District Commissioners and District Police Commanders in Kabale, Kisoro, Kanungu, Rukungiri, Rubanda, and Rukiga districts, raising concerns over what it described as unauthorized data collection during a politically sensitive period.
However, when contacted, Peace Rugambwa denied claims that her team was collecting NINs or targeting Catholic faithful. She clarified that the team only collects basic information such as names, physical addresses, and phone contacts, but not National Identification Numbers. Rugambwa called for investigations into any individuals or groups found illegally collecting NINs.
She further criticized what she described as voting patterns in Catholic-dominated polling stations during the 2021 general elections in Kabale District, alleging discrepancies between votes cast and registered voters. Rugambwa urged religious leaders to focus on their spiritual mandate and avoid involvement in partisan politics.
