Sembabule Church Attack: Worshippers Injured, Robbed During Overnight Prayers

Fear and anxiety have gripped residents of Sembabule District following a brazen attack on a Pentecostal church during an overnight prayer service. The incident, which occurred late Friday night at Messiah God Reverence Church in Lwendayi Village, saw unknown assailants storm the premises, inflicting injuries on worshippers and making off with cash, phones, and other personal items.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers arrived in two vehicles around 11 pm. Dressed in dark clothing and with their faces concealed by masks or powder, they forcibly entered the church. Congregants were then subjected to a brutal assault, reportedly beaten with sticks as the lights were cut off and amplification wires severed. The assailants also attempted to breach parts of the building using axes.

Worshippers described a terrifying ordeal, recounting how they were ordered to lie down before being beaten and robbed. Many suffered deep cuts and bruises, with some struggling to move due to their injuries. Several victims noted the deliberate efforts by the attackers to hide their identities, making recognition impossible.

The church leader, who was preaching at the time, narrowly escaped being tied up. He recounted being struck in the face and on the back before the assailants fled with the stolen goods. The Chairperson of Sembabule Town Council, Pastor Jackson Mulungi, condemned the attack, emphasizing the heightened anxiety in the community and not ruling out various motives at this early stage.

Greater Masaka Regional Police spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye, confirmed that investigations are underway. The police have strongly condemned the criminal act and are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspects. No arrests have been made yet, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the assault and bring those responsible to justice.

This shocking event has left the church community shaken and prompted calls for enhanced security measures at places of worship across the district to prevent future incidents.

Source: Nile Post