Children die during baptism

Feb 17, 2009

SHOCK gripped residents of Busembatia town in Iganga district on Sunday after four boys drowned in Mugoya reservoir during a water-immersion baptism ceremony.

By George Bita

SHOCK gripped residents of Busembatia town in Iganga district on Sunday after four boys drowned in Mugoya reservoir during a water-immersion baptism ceremony.

The function similar to the biblical baptism of John the Baptist, involved 10 youth from the area.

A witness said the bodies were spotted floating in the water shortly after the function.

The district criminal investigations boss, Daniel Mugisha, identified the dead as Geoffrey Tumusime, 19, Moses Irali, 15, Fred Batambuze of Bubago Primary School and his brother Edward Kamize, 16, a student of Busembatia High School.

Mugisha said Pastor Ronald Kibumba, the leader of Busembatia Baptist Church, was in Police custody to help with investigations.

Kibumba said: “The children remained behind despite my advice not to swim alone.”

Moses Kaziba, the church’s overseer, said the incident was an accident and should not be treated as a crime.

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