Pastor Aloysius Bugingo of House of Prayer Ministries International made his return to the church yesterday under tight security, marking his first appearance since the attack by unknown gunmen in Namungoona, Kampala, last Tuesday. The pastor’s bodyguard, Corporal Richard Muhumuza of the elite Special Forces Command, lost his life in the attack.
The Makerere-based church was heavily guarded by security forces, and the faithful had filled the plastic chairs under multiple tents by 10 am, eagerly awaiting the pastor’s arrival. Pastor Bugingo, accompanied by his wife, Susan Bugingo, church elders, his parents, and some of Muhumuza’s children, received a warm welcome from his followers around 11 am.
During the service dedicated to the late Muhumuza, emotions ran high, with tears and cheers from the congregation. Pastor Bugingo, usually loud and enthusiastic, was notably calm and soft-spoken, attributing it to his health condition. He expressed gratitude for a second chance at life and paid tribute to Muhumuza, emphasizing their close relationship and the bodyguard’s commitment to God.
“He was a committed servant of God who always moved with a Bible. I know he is in the right place. He was patriotic, loved and cared for people,” Bugingo said, breaking down in tears.
The pastor assured the congregation of the commencement of construction on the long-awaited Pentagon Church later this year. He pledged to name one of the main halls after Muhumuza and proposed the establishment of development foundations in his honor. The announcement prompted additional contributions from the faithful towards the construction project.
Amid security concerns, Pastor Bugingo encouraged followers to remain calm and trust the government for their safety. He quoted Bible verses, preaching messages of peace, unity, forgiveness, and repentance. Bugingo announced his plan to delegate other pastors for lunch hour services from Monday to Friday next week while he continues with his treatment, affirming that his current medical care is progressing well.
The police confirmed that Pastor Bugingo had provided a statement about the Tuesday attack but did not disclose further details.
