The Police in Kakumiro is actively investigating a circumstance under which a group of unknown assailants wielding machetes attacked a church in the small town of Katikara in Kakumiro district, Western Uganda in the wee hours of Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
The attack left one dead and nine people injured and sparked fear and panic in the community. This incident is just one of many in a string of attacks that have contributed to Uganda’s ongoing security concerns.
Lias Mugume, a member of the congregation and a teacher at Katikara Town’s Benitah High School, died on spot. Aggrey Niwagaba, a different church member, is in critical condition.
Uganda has been plagued with security concerns for years. The country has faced various insurgencies, rebel groups that have led to loss of life, property, and displacement of communities.
“People were attending prayers overnight when the incident occurred. They made the decision to stay in the church after the evening prayers. However, soon after falling asleep, a group of individuals carrying pangas broke into the church and began randomly hacking members of the congregation. One person passed away there and then, while others are still in critical condition. Others left the church to escape for their lives, Mr Sunday William, the secretary for security and community affairs in the district said in a Tuesday morning interview with this publication.
In the context of Uganda’s ongoing security situation, the attack in Katikara is particularly concerning. The attackers targeted a church, a place of worship and supposed sanctuary, showing no regard for human life. The incident follows similar attacks in the country, including the most recent machete and rebel attack in Kasese that left over 42 people dead and dozens injured located about 260km away in the same region.
The motive behind the Katikara attack remains unclear, but there are speculations that it could be related to land disputes, religious or political tensions.
Various violent groups have also been operating in the area, further complicating the situation. The police has promised to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
At the time of publication, one death had been recorded and others nursing grave injuries
The government must take decisive action to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice, while working to address the underlying factors that contribute to insecurity in the country.
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