On January 2, 2024, Pastor Aloysius Bugingo, the head of the House of Prayer Ministries International, faced a life-threatening attack along with his bodyguard, Richard Muhumuza, in Namungoona, a suburb of Kampala. The incident occurred at Bwalakata Junction off National Housing Road in Rubaga Division. While recounting the harrowing experience to mourners gathered at Muhumuza’s burial ground in Ssembabule District, Bugingo addressed doubts and skepticism surrounding the incident.
Sections of the public and social media users have questioned the pastor’s account of the attack, in which he claimed to have been shot in the back. In response to the doubts, Pastor Bugingo urged the public to respect his privacy and questioned the motives of those demanding he undress to show the nature of his injuries.
“I will not undress myself for everyone to show the wounds sustained on my back. I have the injuries, but this does not call for undressing for whoever wants to see and possibly make it a subject on social media,” he asserted.
Revealing details of the attack, Pastor Bugingo explained that he and Muhumuza were attacked by unknown gunmen. He sustained injuries on his back, and Muhumuza became a shield as the gunmen fired bullets. Bugingo recalled feeling cold from his back and hearing the voice of the Lord instructing him to bend down. Despite the frightening experience, he did not shake himself to confirm his status to the attackers. After the assailants left, he drove to Mulago National Referral Hospital.
While in the hospital, Pastor Bugingo expressed concern about pictures being taken, suspecting that a nurse shared a photo on social media, contributing to the public’s doubts. He emphasized that the injuries were not limited to the hand wound captured in some pictures but refused to undress for verification.
During the emotional address, Bugingo shared Muhumuza’s dedication, stating that the bodyguard had vowed and prayed never to let the enemy touch the pastor in his presence. Muhumuza fulfilled his prayer, sacrificing his life to shield Bugingo during the attack.
Addressing the public’s response, businessman and friend of Pastor Bugingo, Mr. Frank Gashumba, criticized those attacking the pastor, emphasizing the need for sympathy instead of political maneuvering.
Muhumuza received a military burial with an 18-gun salute at his ancestral home in Lwebitakuli Sub-county, Ssembabule District. The widow, Ms. Jovia Tushabe, expressed sadness over the lack of understanding and empathy, urging people to focus on the tragedy rather than attacking Pastor Bugingo.
