EDITOR
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, has successfully mediated talks between the Kabale Catholic Diocese and the Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture and Local Communities, Peace Rugambwa, easing tensions that had sparked public debate in the region.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting at the Kabale Catholic Diocese headquarters in Rushoroza, Tayebwa said the engagement focused on restoring mutual trust and strengthening cooperation between the Church and government in the fight against poverty.
He revealed that he delivered a reconciliation message from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, reaffirming the President’s commitment to working harmoniously with religious institutions to improve the welfare of Ugandans.
The meeting followed concerns raised by the Diocese regarding a registration programme being conducted in villages, which involved collecting residents’ National Identification Numbers (NINs). Tayebwa clarified that the dialogue provided an opportunity to address misunderstandings surrounding the exercise.
To avoid further suspicion during the ongoing election period, Tayebwa said both parties agreed to temporarily halt the registration programme until after the elections.
He added that before the programme resumes, broad consultations will be conducted with leaders from different religious denominations to ensure transparency, shared understanding, and inclusive community participation.
The Vicar General of Kabale Diocese, Msgr John Vianney Sunday, welcomed the apology from Peace Rugambwa, describing the meeting as an important step toward setting clear standards of engagement between the Church and government actors.
Msgr Sunday dismissed claims that the Catholic Church is opposed to government programmes, noting that the Church has consistently partnered with national leadership and continues to encourage civic responsibility among its faithful.
On his part, Peace Rugambwa said the misunderstanding had been fully resolved and pledged to work closely with the Catholic Church and other stakeholders to ensure that government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing poverty are implemented smoothly.
