Church leaders, political authorities, and security officials in Kabale District have raised concerns over an alleged unverified exercise collecting voters’ names and National Identification Numbers (NINs), reportedly linked to Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture and Local Peopla, Peace Rugambwa.
The issue surfaced after Kabale Diocese issued a letter dated December 31, 2025, to priests, religious leaders, catechists, and Christians across the six Kigezi districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Kanungu, Rukiga, Rukungiri, and Rubanda.
The letter warned Catholics against participating in the collection of personal information from national identity cards.
Rev. Fr. Christmas Philip Austen, Rector of Rushoroza Cathedral Parish, said the Diocese received complaints that individuals were moving through villages, allegedly targeting Catholic-majority areas, particularly Kyanamira Sub-county in Ndorwa East Constituency.
‘Ms. Rugambwa confirmed the exercise was intended to support people financially after the elections. However, no official communication was provided to the Diocese or the public to clarify the purpose, legality, or timing,’ Fr. Austen said.
He directed all Christians under the Diocese to refrain from participating until credible clarification is issued.
Kabale District NRM Chairperson Bridget Asinga said her office received numerous complaints about the exercise and the use of abusive language by some organizers.
She warned the actions could confuse voters and potentially reduce support for incumbent President Museveni, who is facing seven opposition candidates in the January 15 General Election.
Speaking on January 1, 2026, in Nyabikoni, Kabale Municipality, Ms. Rugambwa cited past election results, noting that Rushoroza Hill had recorded only seven votes for Museveni, and said voting patterns in Ndorwa East had affected development.
But Asinga criticized Ms. Rugambwa for failing to coordinate with local NRM structures and authorities.
‘Political mobilization should be a team effort involving party and security officials,’ she said, adding that government services such as roads, schools, and health centers exist throughout the district and that more development would follow strong support for NRM leadership.
Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Rtd. Major Godfrey Katamba, said mobilizing support for the President is legitimate but must be done through proper channels.
He confirmed complaints about the methods allegedly used and warned that such actions could backfire.
‘I have initiated efforts to convene a meeting involving the Church, security agencies, and Ms. Rugambwa’s team at the district headquarters to resolve the standoff,’ the RDC said.
Residents of Kigata Parish, including Byamugisha Gasper and Niwagaba Valence, said people were being registered using full NIN details, sometimes late at night, raising fears of possible election malpractice.
Telling religious leaders to ‘back off,’ Ms. Rugambwa denied all allegations, stating that the exercise aimed to identify people in need and help them fight poverty.
She affirmed her intention to mobilize support for Museveni and ensure NRM flag bearers work closely with him to deliver services to the people.