Soldier held over church demolition
Jun 07, 2009
THE Police in Mbarara are holding an army officer attached to Masindi barracks over demolishing the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Biharwe sub-county.
By Abdulkarim Ssengendo
THE Police in Mbarara are holding an army officer attached to Masindi barracks over demolishing the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Biharwe sub-county.
Mugume is among the four suspects arrested on June 6 at the church site in the morning as believers had come to worship.
The officer in-charge of Biharwe Police Post, Abel Baguma, identified others as Yonah Matovu, Shaban Matovu and Sylivestino Kyesiga.
They reportedly cut down over 106 trees belonging to church on Saturday morning, which they sold before they were arrested.
Baguma yesterday said the suspects have been taken to Mbarara Central Police Station, adding that they would be charged with criminal trespass.
The shocked worshippers were forced to hold prayers under trees.
A church member, Jane Mugarura, was beaten up seriously when she questioned the men about why they demolished the house of God.
Two years ago, Yonah Matovu demolished the main Church claiming that it was built on his father’s land.
Pastor James Mugisha of the South-western SDA Mission said believers later constructed a temporary structure and were planning to construct a permanent building.
Matovu is the son of the late Daudi Zimwanguyiza, who donated the land to Biharwe Seventh Day Adventist Church before he died six years ago.
After Zimwanguyiza’s death, Matovu claimed ownership of the land occupied by the church.
The church leaders, however, said they have documents to prove ownership.
THE Police in Mbarara are holding an army officer attached to Masindi barracks over demolishing the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Biharwe sub-county.
Mugume is among the four suspects arrested on June 6 at the church site in the morning as believers had come to worship.
The officer in-charge of Biharwe Police Post, Abel Baguma, identified others as Yonah Matovu, Shaban Matovu and Sylivestino Kyesiga.
They reportedly cut down over 106 trees belonging to church on Saturday morning, which they sold before they were arrested.
Baguma yesterday said the suspects have been taken to Mbarara Central Police Station, adding that they would be charged with criminal trespass.
The shocked worshippers were forced to hold prayers under trees.
A church member, Jane Mugarura, was beaten up seriously when she questioned the men about why they demolished the house of God.
Two years ago, Yonah Matovu demolished the main Church claiming that it was built on his father’s land.
Pastor James Mugisha of the South-western SDA Mission said believers later constructed a temporary structure and were planning to construct a permanent building.
Matovu is the son of the late Daudi Zimwanguyiza, who donated the land to Biharwe Seventh Day Adventist Church before he died six years ago.
After Zimwanguyiza’s death, Matovu claimed ownership of the land occupied by the church.
The church leaders, however, said they have documents to prove ownership.