Ugandan pastors are calling for increased security measures to ensure their safety in the aftermath of a targeted shooting incident aimed at Pastor Aloysius Bugingo, where his bodyguard lost his life, . The incident occurred on Tuesday evening along Namungona Zone 2, Kasubi, Rubaga Division, at Bukalasa Junction along National Housing Road in Kampala, as Pastor Bugingo was heading home.
Pastor Ssempa, from Makerere Community Church, has urged President Museveni to enhance security for pastors, stating that their lives are in danger. He expressed deep concern about the attempt on Pastor Bugingo’s life and mentioned that the incident prompted him to stay in a hotel in Kampala, fearing a potential wave of attacks on pastors.
However, Pastor Solomon Male of Arising for Christ Church questioned the need for pastors to have Special Forces Command (SFC) soldiers, typically reserved for politicians, as part of their security detail. He emphasized the importance of trust in God rather than relying on guns and guards, urging religious leaders to put away firearms and trust in divine protection.
Pastor Male suggested that some clergymen may be involved in illicit activities such as sodomy, fraud, and land grabbing. He theorized that individuals who have lost land to certain pastors and failed to obtain justice may resort to hiring killers, leading to an atmosphere of fear within the clergy.
Pastor Zachariah Sserwadda of Evangel Church in Jinja condemned the attempt on Pastor Bugingo’s life and called on the government to protect all Ugandans from such attacks. While acknowledging that Pastor Bugingo is involved in politics, he doubted that his level of political involvement would warrant an assassination attempt.
Pastor Paul Batambuze of New Creation Church in Jinja City expressed his dismay at the unfortunate incident, highlighting that Pastor Bugingo, not active in politics, should not have been a target for assassination. He emphasized the need for peace in the country and called for collective prayers.
