Fear has gripped residents of Sembabule District after unknown assailants attacked a Pentecostal church during an overnight prayer service, injuring worshippers and robbing them of cash, mobile phones and other valuables.
The attack occurred at Messiah God Reverence Church in Lwendayi Village, Sembabule Town Council, on Friday night.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers struck at around 11pm after arriving in two vehicles commonly referred to as "drones." They were dressed in dark clothing, with some wearing face masks while others had covered their faces with powder to conceal their identities.
The assailants allegedly forced their way into the church, beat worshippers with sticks, cut electrical wiring, smashed lighting fixtures and attempted to break into parts of the building using axes before robbing congregants of their belongings.
"We were still praying when they forced open the doors and entered. They started hitting the iron sheets, cut the amplifier wires and the lights went off. They ordered everyone to lie down before beating us and taking our belongings," one worshipper said.
Another victim said the attackers had deliberately concealed their identities.
"Some of them were wearing masks while others had covered their faces with powder, making it impossible to recognize them. When I tried to defend myself, one of them cut my hand with a sharp object," the victim said.
A church leader who was preaching at the time said he narrowly escaped being tied up.
"I was still on the pulpit when they came in. One of them had ropes and wanted to tie me up. I screamed, and he struck me in the face before beating me on the back with a stick," he said.
Several worshippers sustained injuries, including deep cuts and bruises, while others struggled to walk after the assault.
The Chairperson of Sembabule Town Council, Pastor Jackson Mulungi, condemned the attack, saying it had heightened anxiety among residents.
"This is a worrying incident. We cannot rule out any possibilities at this stage, including whether it could be linked to religious disagreements. We are waiting for the outcome of police investigations," Mulungi said.
The Greater Masaka Regional Police spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye, confirmed that investigations had begun.
"Police strongly condemns this criminal act. Investigations are ongoing, and we appeal to anyone with information that could help identify the suspects to come forward and cooperate with investigators," Kasirye said.
Police had not made any arrests by press time and said investigations were continuing to establish the motive behind the attack and identify those responsible.
The incident has left members of the church shaken, with residents calling for stronger security measures at places of worship to prevent similar attacks.
