Several worshippers have been injured after unidentified assailants stormed an overnight prayer service at a Pentecostal church in Sembabule District, assaulting congregants and stealing cash, mobile phones and other valuables.
The attack happened at Messiah God Reverence Church in Lwendayi Village, Sembabule Town Council, at about 11pm on Friday.
Witnesses said the attackers arrived in two vehicles locally referred to as “drones” before forcing their way into the church while prayers were under way.
The assailants were reportedly dressed in dark clothing and had taken measures to conceal their identities. Some wore face masks, while others were said to have covered their faces with powder.
Once inside, witnesses said the attackers ordered worshippers to lie down and began assaulting them with sticks and other objects.
They also cut electrical wiring, damaged lighting fixtures and struck parts of the building with axes before taking belongings from members of the congregation.
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“We were still praying when they forced open the doors and entered. They started hitting the iron sheets, cut the amplifier wires and the lights went off. They ordered everyone to lie down before beating us and taking our belongings,” one worshipper said.
Another victim said identifying the attackers was difficult because their faces had been deliberately concealed.
“Some of them were wearing masks while others had covered their faces with powder, making it impossible to recognize them. When I tried to defend myself, one of them cut my hand with a sharp object,” the victim said.
A church leader who was preaching when the group entered said one of the assailants attempted to restrain him.
“I was still on the pulpit when they came in. One of them had ropes and wanted to tie me up. I screamed, and he struck me in the face before beating me on the back with a stick,” he said.
Several people suffered cuts and bruises during the attack, while some reportedly had difficulty walking afterwards.
Sembabule Town Council Chairperson Pastor Jackson Mulungi condemned the incident and said it had caused concern among residents.
“This is a worrying incident. We cannot rule out any possibilities at this stage, including whether it could be linked to religious disagreements. We are waiting for the outcome of police investigations,” Mulungi said.
Greater Masaka Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed that police had opened investigations and appealed to the public for information.
“Police strongly condemns this criminal act. Investigations are ongoing, and we appeal to anyone with information that could help identify the suspects to come forward and cooperate with investigators,” Kasirye said.
No arrests had been reported by press time. Police are seeking to establish the motive for the raid and identify those involved.
The attack has raised security concerns among worshippers and residents, with some calling for increased protection around places of worship in the area.
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