crime 3 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Two Suspects Nabbed for Posing as Prayer Seekers to Rob Luuka Church
Police in Luuka district arrested Ashurawi Kafuko and Alex Bikundi after they tricked their way into Elim Pentecostal Church by pretending to need prayers for a sick relative, then assaulted the assistant pastor and stole valuables. The duo was apprehended nearby with a rifle in their possession. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/two-arrested-for-faking-prayer-request-to-rob-from-luuka-church-5445606
Authorities in Luuka district have detained two individuals linked to a brazen robbery at Elim Pentecostal Church in Bulanga Ward, Bulanga Town Council, which occurred late Saturday night.
The suspects, identified as Ashurawi Kafuko and Alex Bikundi, were captured at Emmanson Lodge, roughly 500 meters from the church, through a joint effort by Bulanga Police Station and the Iganga Canine Unit. They were reportedly armed with a rifle.
According to Busoga North Police spokesperson Samson Lubega, the pair gained entry around 1:00am by pretending to seek prayers for an ill family member. Once inside, they assaulted 66-year-old assistant presiding pastor Adison Mande, tying him up with makeshift restraints.
The robbers made off with a piano, three loudspeakers, and an amplifier. Mande was discovered bound the next morning by passersby, who notified church leaders and police.
Lubega confirmed the suspects are in custody, facing charges as probes continue to retrieve the stolen goods and uncover any additional involvement.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)