Photo/@NUP_Ug
Leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu said Friday he was “shocked but not surprised by the alleged gun attack on Pastor Bugingo” which happened on January 2nd, 2024 within in the central region of Uganda.
Mr Kyagulanyi asserted that gun violence “has been so normalised in Uganda that every time an incident like that happens, we are all left wondering who the next victim might be!”
A statement from Police indicated that the House of Prayer Ministries leader sustained injuries during this attack whose motive remains mysterious. Regrettably, Bugingo’s “bodyguard”, Muhumuza Richard, succumbed to the assault and was confirmed dead upon arrival at Mulago hospital, police said.
Mr Kyagulanyi is one of several public figures who have come out to condemn the attack, and emphasized the need for accountability and justice.
“I send sympathies to Pastor Bugingo, his family and all those who fellowship at House of Prayer Ministries. I also send sympathies to the family of the deceased, Mr. Richard Muhumuza,” said Kyagulanyi.
“..So many times, after such an incident, we have been told that critical evidence in these murders or attempted murders has gone missing from government stores or that case files have been stolen. Suspiciously, they often claim that CCTV cameras were not working at the time or the CCTV footage goes missing!! At times, hardcore criminals who have confessed to having murdered people in cold blood have been arrested, only to be released and armed again on the orders ‘from above’,” claimed Kyagulanyi.
The opposition leader asserted that “many citizens are questioning if the said attack was real or stage-managed” because “there is no trust in state institutions.”
The singer-turned-politician encouraged pastor Bugingo who is widely known as a strong supporter of the ruling NRM government to walk in love, and not utter “hateful” words “towards us and our struggle for a better country,” Kyagulalyi said.
“Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:44-45, to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Maybe God gave him another chance so as to open his eyes to the realities in our country. For him to see what exactly we are fighting for! Yes, he publicly rejoiced when some of our people, including our brother counsel Wameli died, but we must have the courage to return love where there is hate. I hope he will use his life to glorify God and not men, and to hate the devil and not fellow human beings,” claimed Kyagulanyi.
“Our country is so messed up, that some ‘men and women of God’ feel safer with soldiers and guns other than the presence of God, and they struggle to appease those in power instead of appeasing the almighty God. What a shame! I also hope it reminds all those who are used by the dictator against their own people. In a lawless country, no one is safe! We must never wait for such crimes to happen to us or our loved ones before we speak out,” he continued.
“When we complain and demand that our country is governed better, that guns are not in wrong hands, that crimes are investigated, etc…the regime apologists claim we’re simply doing politics, until they’re the victims!!! So many examples have been given in the past, but unfortunately, they never learn!” Kyagulanyi concluded.
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