Priest Briefly Arrested For Defying President’s Directives

Police on Sunday briefly arrested the Parish Priest of Christ the King Church Gerald Kalumba for defying the ban on church congregations.

Museveni on Wednesday banned gathering that attracts more than 10 people including prayers in Churches, in Mosques, open-air prayers and services on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, said Kalumba who is also the Vicar General for Kampala Archdiocese was found celebrating mass.

“Msgr. Gerald Kalumba (Vicar General, Kampala Archdiocese) was briefly arrested by Police. He was cautioned and released. The people he was with were also released. He was celebrating Mass at Christ the King Parish disregarding Presidential directives,” Onyango said.

In Luweero, a pastor of Jesus Is Alive Pentecostal Church in Luweero town has been arrested for defying Presidential directive banning Church Congregations. 

Pastor Steven Katurebe of Jesus Is Alive Pentecostal church located in Bukuma zone in Luweero town is currently detained at Kasana Police Station after he was arrested on Sunday.

Policemen from Kasana Police station raided Katureebe’s church where they found him preaching to over 40 believers.

Abraham Tukundane the Luweero District Police Commander explained that Katureebe faces charges of disobeying lawful orders at SD ref 15/22/3/2020.

Tukundane, however, says the 40 believers were left to go but warned that in subsequent operations they will also be charged.

Tukundane adds that Policemen in the district are on the alert to ensure the Presidential and Ministry of Health guidelines are enforced.

Pastor Morris Kigongo a leader of Inter Christian Born Again Churches in Luweero says he is surprised that the Pastor opened the church yet he announced on local megaphones on Saturday calling pastors to abide by Presidential directive.

Uganda has so far confirmed one Covid-19 case from a Ugandan national who returned from Dubai in the wee hours of Saturday morning. He is currently isolated and receiving treatment at Entebbe Grade B hospital.