Gen. Aronda warns religious sects on IDs

By Faustine Odeke

Internal affairs minister, General Aronda Nyakairima, has warned some religious sects opposed to the national identity card mass enrolment program starting Monday to desist from the campaign or risk prosecution.

Aronda said some cult leaders in Bugiri, Iganga and western region are preaching against the exercise and mobilizing their believers to shun the three-month exercise.

‘’It’s said that when the mountain never came to Mohammed, Mohamed went to the mountain. For these cult leaders we shall reach them since they are important to us in this exercise and should they resist, we shall involve the police to interrogate them,’’ Aronda warned.

Addressing stakeholders from Bukeddi sub region at Rock classic hotel on Saturday, Aronda said the free Identity card to last for 10 years will first be issued to the leaders and business men in the border districts of Tororo and Busia.

The meeting was attended by state minister for primary health care, Sarah Opendi, MP Sanajay Tanna, LC5 persons, religious and cultural leaders among others.

Aronda said the identity card is bound to improve national security and foreigners will be compelled to pay for services in the country that they are currently enjoying freely since the region has become so competitive.

‘’Our friends from Democratic Republic of Congo came when they were fighting in their country but don’t want to return. We want to reorganize ourselves so that they can pay for services-hospitals they are enjoying’’ Aronda said.