War drums are sounding in Namabasa Zone, in Mbale district following a bloody standoff between residents and the pentecostal church community over a contested piece of land.
The tension was sparked off by the hacking of one of the residents under unclear circumstances.
Police deployed heavily this morning to avert a looming massacre.
Residents accused the pastor of Mount Elgon Independent church Mukoni Michael aka Pastor Musayi of grabbing their land and using his followers to terrorise them in effort to scare them off their ancestral land.
They also accused him of using his influence to compromise relevant authorities leaving the the victims with no place to run to.
However, the spokesperson of the church dismissed the allegations.
The residents some of whom had abandoned their homes were seen pleading with police to maintain its presence in fear of repeat attacks as Mbale District Police Commander Fred Ahimbisibwe withdrew his men from the scene.
Police arrested the spokesperson of the church to assist in investigations
