Survivors tell story

By VISION REPORTERS
ISABELLA Nakabugu of Kalerwe had gone to church for prayers but ended up in the hospital.

“I had closed my eyes to pray when I heard a loud bang. I found myself lying on the ground and was later carried away to hospital,” said Nakabugu, who sustained multiple bruises from Wednesday’s tragedy when a church in Kalerwe, a Kampala suburb, collapsed, killing over 20 worshippers.

“I don’t know how it happened. It was raining heavily and the wall just collapsed on us,” said Nakabugu in Ward 3C at Mulago Hospital.

The death toll rose to 26 yesterday, as the Police released the identity of 14 of the victims.
Survivors blamed the incident on rival pastors, saying they cast an evil spell on the church.
The Government yesterday said it would order a probe and the Vice-President visited the scene.

Another survivor Joyce Muwanguzi said, “It was during the prayer session, when the Church collapsed during a hailstorm. From that moment I don’t know what happened. I woke up in the hospital injured. I don’t know how I got out of the church.”

Draped in a green T-shirt inscribed with Top Radio, Muwanguzi said she was a visitor at the church.

“My church is Pastor
(Jackson) Ssenyonga’s (Christian Life Ministry -Bwaise) church. I had just gone there for prayers,” said Muwanguzi with multiple cuts on her face and neck. But Muwanguzi could still afford a smile when she was told that her son, Bosco Mukisa, was safe.

“I can’t believe it but I can say I am relieved of some pain. Bosco is alive and fine. Although I am yet to see him, doctors assured me that he was fine,” said Muwanguzi. Asked if she would need assistance, she said, “inform my brother Thomas Muyingo in Kiteezi. I had his number in the Bible but it was hidden in the rubble.”

Mariam Namagero, who was also a visitor at the church from Trinity Church in Kyebando said, “I can’t tell you what happened. It was raining and there was lightning and suddenly part of the church collapsed.”

Namagero who had head injuries said, “I thank God for not forsaking us. He should bless all health workers at Mulago for good work. I don’t know how I got here.”

Sylvia Najjembe, who escaped with slight injuries, said, “I thought evil spirits were being exorcised amid deafening cries and screaming. It was when my friend grabbed me that I realised the wall had collapsed on some people. We ran in different directions, screaming, until men from Lufula came to help.”

Meanwhile, Mulago authorities said the toll shot up overnight from 20 to 26 after six more victims passed away, three while being rushed to the hospital and another three in the night.

The hospital said 20 victims died instantly. However, the Police put the death toll at 23.

There were also conflicting figures regarding the total number of casualties.
On Wednesday night the Police said 90 casualties had been admitted to the hospital but by yesterday afternoon the number had dropped to 82, as people with minor injuries had been treated and discharged.

There was chaos at the hospital as people tried to establish the fate of their relatives.
Mayor-elect Nasser Sebaggala and health state minister Mike Mukula visited the victims.

Police identified the dead as Rose Sebuliba and Gertrude Zziwa, both of Gayaza road, Dorothy Magara, Sarah Mirembe of Mpererwe, Annet Luttu and Deo Kiwazi, who died in the morning.
Others were only identified as Dr. Kateke, Mrs. Kateke, Wasswa also known as little angel, Kityo, Eriya of Kyebando, Mrs. Oboo and Miss Nankya. Nine others still remained unidentified.
A funeral service was held for some of the dead at Nakivubo Stadium yesterday. Present were state ministers Nsaba Buturo and Tim Lwanga and Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre.

Contributions by Steven Candia, Chris Kiwawulo, Mariam Nalunkuma, Fred Ouma and Charles Ariko