Three Electrocuted During Church Crusade In Bushenyi, Pastor On The Run

By Our Reporter

Tragedy struck a church crusade in Bushenyi District on Friday evening when three people were electrocuted, authorities said, leaving the community in shock.

The incident occurred during a crusade organized by Rock Ministries Church at Kashenyi Marketplace in Ibaare Sub-County. Police spokesperson Apollo Tayebwa confirmed that the victims were attending the event when a metallic pole from one of the tents reportedly came into contact with a three-phase high-voltage power line.

The deceased have been identified as Blessed Atuhweere, 23, from Ntungamo District; Waiswa Narutazari from Mitooma District; and William Rwakisheija from Bushenyi District. Another attendee, 40-year-old Nathan Mulekwa, survived but sustained serious injuries.

“The tragedy occurred due to negligence in handling electrical equipment and the failure to secure the venue properly,” Tayebwa said.

The bodies were transferred to Kampala International University Teaching Hospital’s Ishaka Mortuary for postmortem examinations. William Kasigazi, Deputy RDC of Bushenyi District, faulted the event organizers for not notifying security authorities or arranging a medical team, describing the oversight as “unacceptable.”

Following the incident, the crusade was immediately cancelled, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the electrocution are ongoing. Authorities also reported that Pastor Kiiza, proprietor of Rock Ministries Church, is currently on the run.

Police have urged anyone with information regarding Pastor Kiiza’s whereabouts to come forward to aid the ongoing investigations.

The incident has sparked widespread concern about safety measures during religious gatherings, particularly in public spaces, and highlights the need for strict adherence to safety protocols.