As Rwanda rolls out its new digital identity system, some citizens are viewing the technology through a spiritual lens, linking it to the biblical mark of the beast and the number 666 described in the Book of Revelation. ALSO READ: Inside Rwanda’s switch to a biometric digital ID The concerns, rooted in long-standing religious interpretations, have resurfaced as the government expands registration for the Single Digital ID, prompting officials and religious leaders to step up efforts to address misinformation and reassure the public. ALSO READ: What to know about digital ID for foreign nationals In the biblical text, the number is described as a sign linked to economic activity, where those without it would be unable to buy or sell. Over time, this passage has been interpreted in different ways by various Christian traditions. ALSO READ: Govt sets 2027 deadline for full shift to digital ID Joseph Twahirwa, 48, a resident of Kayonza District, said he remains convinced that digital identification systems could be connected to the mark of the beast mentioned in the Book of Revelation. ALSO READ: People with disabilities can register for digital IDs at home I cannot ignore what I have heard over the years. People say these systems are part of what was written in the Bible. The fingerprints, iris scans, and other features all seem like things unfolding before our eyes, he said. It is also said that anyone who does not have a digital ID will be denied access to services, something we have been hearing for decades. I am still not fully convinced that it is just technology. His concerns reflect a broader debate that authorities say they continue to encounter in different parts of the country as the Single Digital ID enrolment campaign expands, with more than 4.4 million people already registered. Officials from the National Identification Agency (NIDA) acknowledge that such beliefs are not isolated cases and say they have been engaging communities to address misinformation and provide clarity on how the system works. We have frequently encountered these kinds of concerns, particularly in religious circles. In Southern Province, especially in Byimana Sector of Ruhango District, one individual was arrested after misleading others by claiming that developments such as digital ID registration were part of biblical prophecy. He was later educated on the matter and given time to better understand the process, a senior official involved in the registration exercise, who requested anonymity, said. Similar concerns have also been observed in other areas, including Kigali and parts of Eastern Province. However, we continue to conduct public awareness campaigns in collaboration with various stakeholders to educate citizens and address these misconceptions, the official added. Book of Revelation requires careful interpretation Religious scholars, however, note that interpretations of the passage vary widely. Some view it as symbolic language rooted in the historical context of the Roman Empire, when early Christians faced pressure to demonstrate loyalty to imperial authority. Others interpret it as a prophecy whose meaning remains open to future events. Pastor Christine Katiyi Banda of New Life Church in Kigali said people should be cautious about rumours linking digital systems to biblical prophecy, noting that such claims are often circulated without evidence. He explained that the Book of Revelation requires careful interpretation and should not be read in a purely literal or technological sense. The Bible does not specifically mention modern systems or the way identity cards, digital platforms, and related technologies are understood today. Many of the fears circulating in communities stem from misunderstandings of the historical and spiritual context, he said. To understand these writings, it is important to consider the period in which they were written. Revelation was written in the context of the Roman Empire, where early Christians faced pressure to demonstrate allegiance to the emperor. Those who refused were sometimes excluded from economic life. According to Banda, such historical realities are often expressed symbolically in biblical texts, and interpretations vary widely among believers. These are spiritual writings, and people interpret them in different ways. Some see them as historical, others as symbolic, while others believe they may point to future events, he said. Banda cautioned against treating every new development as a direct fulfilment of prophecy, noting that faith-based interpretations should be balanced with context and understanding. He urged members of the public to proceed with digital ID registration, stressing that it has no connection to biblical prophecy, despite rumours suggesting otherwise. There is no link whatsoever between the digital ID and what people are saying about prophecy. These are misunderstandings. People should not be afraid to register, he said.
