The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Bundibugyo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo has condemned the brutal arrest and killing of alleged terror suspects.
Speaking during the confirmation service at All Saints Church in Bundibugyo District on Sunday, Kisembo asked security personnel to protect the lives of all Ugandans.
Kisembo’s comments come at the time when at least eight suspected terrorists have been shot dead by security officers during counter-terrorism operations in a spate of five months.
The eight who all happen to be Muslim include; Mohammed Nsubuga, Manihaji, Master Lubwama, Juma Saidi, Juma Sserwadda, Amin Kawawa Mustapha, Moses Mudasiri, and most recently Sheikh Muhammad Abbas Kirevu who was shot dead by security personnel days after the twin bombings in Kampala.
Two weeks ago, security personnel also killed four alleged ADF rebels in Ntoroko district as they attempted to flee to the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC.
Bishop Kisembo said that the suspects are supposed to be tried in courts and proved guilty or innocent. He also added that there is a need for Ugandans to value life and desist from acts that cost their life and that of others.
Kisembo now wants the Uganda Human Rights Commission-UHRC to conduct investigations and issue a report about the latest incidents.
Canon Julius Tumwesige of All Saints Church asked the government to investigate all acts of terrorism and convict those found guilty.
Speaking about the creation of the West Ruwenzori Diocese, Canon Tumwesige says plans have been resumed after the ease of the lockdown noting that the select committee has collected more than 70 Million Shillings out of the needed 100 Million to kick start the operations of the diocese.
The demand for the diocese began as early as 1986 on account of language differences between the people of Tooro, the Bamba/Babwisi, and Bakonzo communities.
In 2017 the Church of Uganda Synod agreed to the creation of the Diocese and asked the authorities to construct staff houses, the Bishop’s house, and have qualified staff.
The inauguration of the diocese and installation of the first Bishop was due in December this year but archdeaconry leaders now say that this may not be possible until next year.
