The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Samuel Kaziimba has condemned the demolition of St. Stephen’s Church of Uganda in Ndeeba, calling it a sinister act of Satan.
The church was demolished on Sunday night.
“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 the destruction of their treasured building and House of Worship,” Kazimba said.
Parishioners have been involved in court battles with a property developer over the land that was given by a parishioner over 40 years ago to build the church.
“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.
“This barbaric act of destruction is evil. If an action can’t be done in broad daylight, then there is something deeply wrong; we have lost respect for God.”
Kazimba faulted the Police for guarding the people who demolished the church.
“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,” Kaziimba said.
Three Police officers, have since been arrested for negligence of duty, thus aiding the demolition of the church. They include Katwe Division Police Commander David Epedu, Ndeeba Police Station OC, Mugira Yeko Kato, and FFU Commander in charge of Kampala Metropolitan South region, Kaloli Isabirye.
Kazimba called for a serious and impartial inquiry into the demolition of the church so that culprits are brought to book.
“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. We call for a serious and impartial inquiry into this matter.”