Our Lady of Assumption Mwereerwe Catholic Parish in Kyambizzi Village, Gombe Sub-county, Wakiso District, recently fell victim to an unfortunate incident involving theft and property damage. Unknown thugs broke into the church, causing destruction to priestly robes and vestments, and making off with both items and money, leaving the community in shock.
According to Rev Fr James Matovu, the parish priest, the incident was discovered when sacristans were preparing for morning masses and noticed missing church items. The method of entry into the church raised suspicions of possible collusion or the use of master keys, as there were no signs of forced entry through doors or windows.
The perpetrators targeted the church’s public address system, breaking open a sturdy metallic control box. The stolen items included one amplifier, one amp mixer, four microphones, and one microphone receiver. They also looted a donation box intended for Radio Maria, taking money that had accumulated over a year.
Further damage involved breaking into a box for Christmas season offerings, stealing the collected money. Additionally, a Japan-made keyboard was vandalized, and the thieves went back to the Sacristy to cut and leave some priestly vestments on the floor.
Upon discovering the incident at 6:30 am, Fr Matovu promptly informed the parish leaders, leading to a swift response from Gombe Police Station. Sniffer dogs led the police to a local bar 300 meters away. Although two individuals, including the bar owner, were apprehended and held for two days, the police are still pursuing other suspects.
DNA and fingerprints were captured, with investigations ongoing to provide a comprehensive report. Mr. Luke Owoyesigire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson, emphasized that the police are actively searching for the remaining suspects.
Church leaders and community members expressed their condemnation of the theft. Mr. John Baptist Kawuma suggested possible collusion with parish insiders, as only functional amplifiers were taken, leaving faulty ones behind. The church treasurer, Mr. Godfrey Kamoga, appealed for assistance from the public to replace the stolen items.
In response to the incident, Mr. Rockson Paul Katongole, the chairperson of Mwereerwe A Cell, proposed reinstating a security committee to protect the village during the night. Residents, such as Ms. Josephine Namatovu and Ms. Proscovia Nakitto, called for prayers to change the mindset of thieves and urged support from other Catholic parishes.
Looking ahead, the church aims to raise Shs19 million to purchase new equipment and install CCTV cameras for enhanced security. Fr Matovu attributed such incidents to high youth unemployment rates and called on the public to encourage productive engagement to curb criminal activities.
