Pastor Aloysius Bugingo has mourned the death of his departed bodyguard, Richard Muhumuza, saying he “died a hero.”

Bugingo disclosed that for many years, he has lived in fear for his life.

“He (Muhumuza) was a brother who gave his life for me to live,” said Bugingo in a brief engagement with the media at his residence in Namayumba, Wakiso district on Thursday evening. 

“I lost terribly. And he died honourably. He died a hero. What he promised, to give his life for me to live, he gave it without hesitation.”

In his mid-thirties, Muhumuza was shot dead on January 2, 2024, when unknown gunmen reportedly opened gunfire at the vehicle in which he and Bugingo were travelling in Namungoona, a Kampala suburb.

Police said despite sustaining injuries during the attack, Pastor Bugingo managed to transport the vehicle to Mulago National Referral Hospital.

“Regrettably, his bodyguard, Muhumuza Richard, succumbed to the assault and was confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital,” said police.

The deceased was a staff of Special Forces Command (SFC),  an elite force that protects the president and also executes high-risk combat operation missions. 

Bugingo said Muhumuza had for many years told his family that “Pastor is my brother, God has a lot in store for him. If Pastor were to be shot, I would take in more bullets and he (Bugingo) would live to serve the people of God.”

The leader of the House of Prayer Ministry in Kikoni said he “lost one part of my body” when news came in that Muhumuza had died, adding, “No one can understand my pain. Only God knows the truth.”

Bugingo said, “In life, it’s hard to find such strong-willed people to work with.” v

Ugandans have since called for a deeper investigation into circumstances under which Muhumuza died. 

Bugingo drove the vehicle from the scene, complicating detectives’ work in unravelling the crime. 

“Upon an immediate response to the incident, the police discovered that the scene had been tampered with,” said Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire.

Owoyesigyire said “Statements from eyewitnesses have been diligently recorded…” 

How Muhumuza died

Explaining Muhumuza’s last minutes on earth, Bugingo noted: “We were chatting in the car when Satan attacked. The attackers hit the car from the side where he was seated.”

Bugingo said “when bullets are flying in your direction, you can’t think straight. It was a very bad experience.”

He added: “I was lightly wounded on the back. I heard God’s voice telling me to go to Mulago Hospital. As they were operating on my back, after 30 minutes, I was told that Muhumuza was dead. He lost a lot of blood.” 

Bugingo said, “We are always prepared to go to heaven. Whoever stays continues the work of God.  I lost my brother.” 

The preacher said in Muhumuza’s death, “I lost the most important thing in my life. I lost someone irreplaceable. I am praying to God that Muhumuza’s family understands what he has been emphasising (readiness to risk his life). He is a hero. He died for a cause.”

The pastor, who owns Salt Media, further pledged to take care of the deceased’s family.

“I promise the family will never lack anything. I will do his (Muhumuza) assignment of serving God until my last breath. He gave me a second chance that you can’t joke with,” said Bugingo.

Muhumuza, who hailed from Sembabule, is survived by children – the youngest being two months old.

Mourners wept uncontrollably when the casket containing Muhumuza’s remains arrived at his ancestral home on Thursday night. 

Muhumuza was laid to rest on Friday afternoon.

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Chimp Reports