The Security Inter-Agency Joint Task Force has on 29 March 2020 arrested two pastors and twenty-six of their congregation for defying the Presidential Directive banning religious gatherings in the country for 32 days as a measure of curbing the spread of COVID 19.
The suspects were picked from two places in Kampala Metropolitan Area while congregated for Sunday Prayers, an act that can promote the spread of the Corona Virus in the Country.
One Pastor Immaculate Biyinzika of Praise Jesus Worship Church together with 20 worshipers were picked by Police from Makandwa Kajjansi in Wakiso District and are detained at Kajjansi Police Station, whereas, Pastor Moses Baker of Alter Truth Ministries of Komamboga Kyanja was picked along with six followers by Intelligence Surveillance Team and detained at Kira Road Police Station.
Other suspects escaped arrest.
Pastor Biyinzika tried to resist arrest on defence that she was praying with only her family members at her home which is collocated with the Church.
However, Police found the Pastor collecting offertory and her congregation was far bigger than her residence could accommodate.
“The Task Force appeals to all Ugandans to join the national struggle to defeat COVID 19 pandemic in the country by following the preventive guideline issued by Government,” said Police spokesperson Fred Enanga.
He added that; “We want to appreciate members of the public who are giving us vital information on places, institutions, and individuals who are trying to defy the directives aimed at protecting Ugandans from infection by COVID 29.”