Police arrests Namirembe Cathedral Easter service intruder

PIC: Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira of Namirembe Diocese (wearing a mitre) with the clergy before leading the main service at Namirembe Cathedral on Easter Sunday. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

EASTER SUNDAY

KAMPALA - A man who stormed the early morning (7:00am) English Easter service and threatened the worshippers with violence has been arrested by the Police.

According to the Vicar of the Namirembe Cathedral, the Rev. Festo Kalungi, the man, whose was wearing a backcloth, entered the Cathedral blandishing a huge stick.

He made his way through the pews and went straight to the altar, where Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira was consecrating bread and wine for Holy Communion.

Surprisingly, after jumping over the ring fence, he collapsed at the altar, where he was nabbed by the cathedral wardens, who then handed him over to Namirembe Police.

Legislators Moses Kasibante and Medard Sseggona (second-left) during the Easter Service at Namirembe Cathedal. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Luwalira himself referred to the incidence as he delivered his Easter homily during the 10 o'clock service, saying such occurrences proved that Jesus had the power to deliver his people from all their fears and challenges.

When I contacted Namirembe Police post, I was informed that the man had been taken to Old Kampala. But when I went to Old Kampala, the Police officers I met there informed me that the man had not been taken there yet, although they had received information about the incident.

The Rev. Kalungi said the man appeared to have a mental issue because when the Police asked why he had threatened the clergy and Christians with violence, he simply said that they were frustrating his plans.

Namirembe Cathedral Choir leads the singing during the Easter service. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Protect Ugandans, Luwalira tells government

Meanwhile, Luwalira has called for an end to the culture of death, which he said had caused many Ugandans to live in fear.

Citing the recent kidnapping and killing of women and children, Luwalira called on the Government to be more committed to the protection of all Ugandans and their property.

Luwalira also decried the culture of selfishness and greed, which he said had dehumanised and subjected vulnerable Ugandans to untold suffering.

Anglican Christians worshipping God during the Easter service at Namirembe Cathedral on Easter-Sunday. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

"The vice of insatiable greed has become endemic. Somebody already has one thousand acres of land, but he still fights to steal an acre from a poor widow. This is unacceptable," he said.

Luwalira asked Ugandans not to lose hope in the face of challenges, but to put their trust in the risen Lord Jesus, who alone has the power over death and sin.

The service at Namirembe Cathedral was graced by the former Premier, Prof. Apollo Nsibambi, politicians such as Medard Sseggona, Moses Kasibante and Mayor Joyce Ssebuggwawo (Rubaga division). 

Buganda kingdom officials such as the speaker of the Lukiiko, Nelson Kawalya, the kingdom minister of finance and economic planning, Wagwa Nsibirwa and the chief of Kyaddondo County, Patrick Mugumbule also graced the Easter prayers.