The tragedy struck Saturday around 9:00 pm, when a heavy storm, accompanied by rains from Lake Kyoga, caused the structure to collapse. The next morning, congregants arriving for prayers were met with the devastating sight of their church in ruins.
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St Stephens Church of Uganda Lwampanga in Nakasongola that was destroyed by heavy storm
More than 500 Christians of St. Stephen's Church of Uganda in Lwampanga Town Council, Nakasongola District, are reeling after a storm destroyed their newly constructed church. The church, which had taken five years to build, was completed just three weeks ago and had recently hosted its first service, led by Rt. Rev. Wilson Kisekka, the Bishop of Luwero Diocese.
The tragedy struck Saturday around 9:00 pm, when a heavy storm, accompanied by rains from Lake Kyoga, caused the structure to collapse. The next morning, congregants arriving for prayers were met with the devastating sight of their church in ruins.
Betty Nanyange, a local councilor and congregant, expressed the heartbreak felt by the community.
"What happened is a test to our faith. We pray that God strengthens us during this trying period. We have spent so much to construct a magnificent church, but it’s all been destroyed. It’s unbelievable," she said.
Despite the loss, some congregants gathered to pray in nearby school classrooms. However, others chose not to attend the service, overwhelmed by the tragedy. Robert Mande, the Chairperson of the Construction Committee, revealed that over 600 million shillings had been spent to complete the church.
"Right now, we are all in shock. We appeal to well-wishers to come to our rescue so we can rebuild the church," he said. Reverend Jesca Katushabe, the newly posted parish priest of St. Stephen’s Church, encouraged Christians to stay strong in faith.
"We must continue praying and trusting God to guide us through this. He will enable us to rebuild," she urged. Wilson Sekibindi, the Spokesperson of Nakasongola Archdeaconry, said they are planning a crisis meeting to discuss the rebuilding process.
The destruction of St. Stephen's Church is part of a broader pattern of devastation caused by ongoing heavy rains in Nakasongola. Rising water levels in Lake Kyoga have submerged gardens and destroyed crops, while flooding has rendered several roads impassable. Roads such as Itumba-Katuba, Kansira-Ndaiga, and Kamunina-Kaleire are among those cut off, further isolating affected communities.
