Kampala, Uganda – A shocking incident unfolded on January 2nd, 2024, as an attempted assassination targeting Pastor Aloysius Bugingo, a well-known Ugandan clergyman, took place. The attack resulted in the tragic death of Bugingo’s bodyguard, Muhumuza Richard, and left the pastor with minor injuries. The assailants, who managed to escape, fired an estimated 13 to 17 bullets at Bugingo’s vehicle, creating a crime scene that has captured the attention of law enforcement.
One perplexing aspect of the incident was Bugingo’s decision to transport the vehicle to Mulago Hospital rather than going directly to the Nansana police station. Additionally, Bugingo’s discharge from the hospital during the night, without the knowledge of many of his followers, has added to the mystery surrounding the attack.
The handling of the investigation has also raised questions, particularly the delay in taking a statement from Bugingo. Given the potential implications for Bugingo’s vast following, the seemingly slow progress of the investigation has sparked significant public interest.
While the motive behind the attack remains uncertain, some speculate that it may be politically motivated due to Bugingo’s support for President Yoweri Museveni and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Others suggest a religious angle, citing Bugingo’s controversial sermons and legal disputes.
The number of individuals involved in the attack is also uncertain, with eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage being reviewed to determine if there were one or two assailants. The motorcycle used by the attackers to flee the crime scene has become a crucial element in the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation continues, Bugingo, who leads the House of Prayer Ministries and operates his own media outlets, remains under medical treatment and close monitoring. The tragic loss of his bodyguard, Muhumuza Richard, has left a void in the pastor’s security team.
The duration it took for the police to secure the crime scene and the circumstances surrounding Bugingo’s departure from the hospital at night have become key points of public discussion. With this being the second attack on Bugingo’s supporters in the last eight months, the security of pro-establishment figures has become a matter of national concern in Uganda.