Yesterday the nation woke up to the devastating news of the demolition of St Peter’s Church, Ndeeba, a church that has been in existence for over 40 years.
Police arrested three of its own officers who were supposed to provide security to the premises. The three officers are; DPC Katwe, SP Epedu David, OC Station Ndeeba Police Station, ASP Mugira Yeko Kato and Field Force Unit (FFU) Commander KMP/South Region, ASP Isabirye Kaloli. Police said they’re being charged with neglect of duty. More 11 people who were found carrying out the demolition were also arrested.
The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, has released a statement concerning the disturbing demolition of St. Peter’s Church, Ndeeba.
“On behalf of the House of Bishops and all Christians of the Church of Uganda, we express our sincere condolences to the Bishop and people of Namirembe Diocese, and especially those of St. Peter’s Church, Ndeeba, on last night’s destruction of their treasured building and House of Worship.
We are grateful that our grandmother, who donated the land for the church, is not alive to see the destruction that has been done to the sacred place she gave as a gift to God,” Kaziimba said in a statement.
Kaziimba said the barbaric act of destruction is evil because it was even carried out in the night.
“This destruction of the House of God took place in the darkness of night during a curfew; and, the security forces, who are supposed to uphold the law and guard against destroyers were allegedly complicit in the destruction of a House of God.
Squatters have rights after being on land for 12 years, and yet St. Peter’s Church has been on that land for 40 years. We call for a serious and impartial inquiry into this matter,” he said.
He added, “We stand in solidarity with the Bishop, Namirembe Diocese, and especially the Christians of St. Peter’s Church. Especially during this time of a global pandemic, the church is needed now more than ever. We assure you of our prayers for a peaceful and just resolution to this tragic situation.”