By Shivan Ayebare
The Catholic Diocese of Kabale has warned its faithful against taking part in an ongoing village registration exercise involving the collection of personal details, as Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture, Peace Rugambwa, moves to explain the initiative.
In a directive issued on December 31 from Rushoroza Cathedral Parish, the diocese cautioned Catholics in Kabale District and the wider Kigezi region against submitting personal information to individuals reportedly moving through villages collecting names, contacts and National Identification Numbers, mainly in Catholic-dominated areas.
The Church expressed concern over the lack of official communication on the purpose, legality and timing of the exercise and questioned why it appeared to target Catholics. Parish priests, catechists and believers were advised not to participate until clear guidance is provided. Security leaders across Kigezi were also notified over possible data protection concerns.
The directive was signed by Rev. Fr. Christmas Philip Austen, Rector of Rushoroza Cathedral Parish.
Responding to the concerns, Peace Rugambwa clarified that the registration is not political or religious and is open to all Ugandans in 12 districts. She said the purpose is to organise citizens into groups that can benefit from government programmes aimed at improving incomes and livelihoods.
Rugambwa denied claims that her team is collecting National Identification Numbers, saying only names, addresses and phone contacts are required. She welcomed security investigations into any group collecting NINs, saying such teams are not working under her.
