Suspected arsonists torch Mapeera Church in Kigungu 

Police in Kigungu, Entebbe, are investigating a suspected arson incident at Mapeera Church.

The fire, which began around 10 pm on Thursday, was contained to the left-hand side of the church’s presbytery, but it destroyed valuable religious items including priestly robes, altar chalices, tablecloths, and wine used during mass. The estimated damage is over Shs 10 million, according to Jane Nakafeero Lukwago, Entebbe Division B councillor and church member.

Nakafeero said the chalices alone cost between Shs 2.5 and Shs 3 million each, while mass robes range from Shs 300,000 to Shs 500,000.

Nakafeero ruled out an electrical cause for the fire, suspecting that unknown persons deliberately set the blaze. Captain Fernandez Mugisha Alexander, head of laity at Bugongo-Entebbe Parish, expressed sorrow over the desecration, noting it could bring lifelong consequences. While avoiding speculation, he emphasized gratitude that the fire hadn’t spread further, potentially destroying the entire church.

“It is unfortunate that a house of God can be desecrated like this. This is how people get generational curses,” Mugisha said.

Reports suggest the church recently approved plans to fence off the site for preservation and development, including conversations with the Kampala archdiocese and the Entebbe mayor.

The area is of historical significance as the landing site of Fr Simeon Lourdel, known as “Mapeera,” in 1879, marking the origins of Catholicism in Uganda. Mugisha explained that the development would benefit both the faith community and tourism.

Richard Ssekyondo, chairman of Entebbe Division B, criticized any potential arsonists, suggesting the act might be linked to the planned developments that could displace businesses operating on church land.

“If it is the development that is causing this then I would advise those people to repent because they have been working here using the church land without paying anything and the church has never demanded anything from them, if development has come that is not how they should respond,” Ssekyondo stated.

Local leader Sulait Ssempeera noted that this incident is not isolated, recalling a previous break-in last year when several items were stolen. He warned against opposition to the church’s plans, labelling any resistance as “fighting God.”

Police reported that packets of hostia were later found in an abandoned house in Kyondo, potentially offering leads in the investigation. They suspect that the arsonist may have accessed the church through a loose back window and believe the intruder was familiar with the premises, given that only the area containing the most valuable items was damaged.

The incident occurred as the sub-parish prepares for its upcoming sub-parish day on November 24, 2024, adding urgency to the community’s call for accountability and security measures.