Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has taken charge of Pastor Aloysius Bugingo’s security following the Pastor’s survival of an assassination plot in Kampala last week.
Col. Fred Mwesigye, the commander of UPDF operations in Kampala Metropolitan Area, assured believers at the House of Prayer Ministries International that Pastor Bugingo’s security at his (residence (Namayumba – Wakiso), and Salt TV offices in Rubaga and at the church in Kikoni, Makerere, Kampala had been reinforced.
“We shall do our best to ensure security for the church,” said Mwesigye during the Sunday prayer, adding, “That is why I am here.”
“We are in charge of security at the church here, at the Pastor’s residence (Namayumba – Wakiso), and Salt TV offices in Rubaga,” Mwesigye emphasized.
“Our job is to ensure such things don’t happen again. That is what we are doing now. Be calm. We get challenges but we are giving our all to protect you.”
Mwesigye’s statements came after Bugingo requested UPDF officers to assure believers that security had been heightened at the church.
“Our followers may fear to gather here at church since I am being hunted by criminals,” said Bugingo.
During Sunday’s church service, Pastor Bugingo mourned the death of his departed bodyguard, Richard Muhumuza, saying he “died a hero.”
Also Read: Teary Pastor Bugingo recounts shooting, credits heroic bodyguard for survival
In his mid-thirties, Muhumuza was shot dead on January 2, 2024, when unknown gunmen reportedly opened gunfire at the vehicle in which he and Bugingo were traveling in Namungoona, a Kampala suburb.
Bugingo disclosed that for many years, he has lived in fear of his life due to consistent death threats.
He, however, said Muhumuza sacrificed his life for the Pastor to live.
Bugingo affirmed that he would continue to preach the word of God without fear.
On Monday 8, January 2024, the Uganda Police Force released a report on the attempted assassination against Pastor Bugingo.
Police is now appealing to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of suspects and recovery of the killer weapon in the attempted murder of Pastor Aloysius Bugingo. The police is offering UGX 20 million cash prize for the information. The weapon used in the attack is linked to the murder of Isma Olaxes which happened last year.
