KABALE
The Catholic church in Kabale Diocese has raised concerns over unverified collection of National Identification Numbers (NINs), and other particulars of its faithful members, purportedly by the Presidential Advisor, Peace Rugambwa ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“There are people moving around collecting people’s NINs and their intentions are not explicitly clear. Kindly desist from sharing your NIN,” Rev. Fr. Christmas Philip Austen warned
The Diocese alleged that some individuals are conducting what it termed an unverified registration exercise in villages across the Kigezi sub-region, only targeting Catholics and questioned the legality of the exercise.
In a communiqué dated December 31, 2025, the Diocese said it had received numerous public complaints about people moving door to door collecting personal details, including NINs, names and contact information from National Identity Cards, particularly in Catholic-dominated areas.
“There are people moving around collecting people’s NINs and their intentions are not explicitly clear. Kindly desist from sharing your NIN,” read a statement by Rev. Fr. Christmas Philip Austen, the Rector of Rushoroza Cathedral Parish in parts.
When contacted Rugambwa, admitted to having knowledge about the activity and said the information was allegedly intended to support people after elections. However, the Church said no formal communication had been issued to explain the purpose, legality, timing or selective focus of the exercise.
As the country is a fortnight to elections, this raised security questions prompting the church to caution the faithful and church leaders against participating in this exercise.
“In the absence of credible clarification from competent Government authorities, all Parish Priests, Catechists, and Church Leaders, Christians are directed not to participate in, support, or facilitate this exercise, and to clearly inform all Hikas and Christian communities accordingly,” said Rev. Fr. Christmas.
Additionally, the Diocese alleges that some members of the registration team were using “derogatory, uncouth and defamatory language,” which it described as amounting to hate speech.
Rev. Fr. Christmas said the guidance was issued in the interest of prudence, transparency and the protection of believers from possible exploitation, pending an official communication from government authorities.
The communiqué also formally notified Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and District Police Commanders (DPCs) in Kabale, Kisoro, Kanungu, Rukungiri, Rubanda and Rukiga districts.
