Kigezi, Uganda– President Yoweri Museveni has temporarily suspended a village-level exercise aimed at collecting National Identification Numbers (NINs) and personal details in the Kigezi sub-region. This decision comes amidst the ongoing election season.
The exercise was being overseen by Peace Rugambwa, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture, but after discussions in Rushoroza, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa announced the suspension. He emphasized that the decision is intended to mitigate potential misunderstandings or suspicions among the public.
The announcement followed a constructive meeting aimed at delivering President Museveni’s message of reconciliation to the leadership of the Kabale Catholic Diocese. This meeting was attended by key figures, including the Vicar General of Kabale Diocese, Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, and Peace Rugambwa.
Tayebwa indicated that the NIN collection program would be revisited after the elections. He highlighted that prior to its resumption, consultative meetings with various stakeholders from different religious denominations would be held to foster clarity and community involvement.
During the meeting, Rugambwa extended an apology to the Diocese, which was met with a positive response. This engagement underscored the longstanding collaborative relationship between the Catholic Church, President Museveni, and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) throughout the country.
“During our engagement, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to fighting poverty,” Tayebwa remarked, reinforcing the dialogue’s focus on community welfare and collaboration.
RT. HON. THOMAS TAYEBWA POSTED THIS ON HIS X HANDLE,
This evening, I met with the leadership of Kabale Catholic Diocese at Rushoroza led by the Vicar General Msgr John Vianney Sunday, for a cordial and constructive engagement together with Ms Peace Rugambwa , Senior Presidential on Agriculture, and delivered a message of reconciliation from @KagutaMuseveni.
The meeting followed concerns raised by the Church regarding the work being undertaken by the senior presidential advisor on agriculture, Peace Rugambwa.
The meeting underscored the strong working relationship that has long existed between the Catholic Church, the President, and the @NRMOnline across the country. During our engagement, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to fighting poverty.
In light of the current election season, and to avoid misunderstandings, misconceptions, or suspicion, we mutually agreed to temporarily suspend the registration programme that was being undertaken by Peace Rugambwa. The programme will resume at a later time, after the elections.
Before its resumption, we also agreed that consultative meetings with key stakeholders across different religious denominations will be held to ensure clarity, mutual understanding and to encourage community participation.
The clergy warmly received the apology from Ms Peace and i hope this marks the beginning of a strong partnership aimed at getting people out of poverty.
