By John Kusolo
Pastor Martin Ssempa, a prominent Ugandan charismatic pastor, activist, and founder of the Makerere Community Church, has recently come forward with alarming claims of surviving two assassination attempts. Known for his bold stance against homosexuality, which first brought him to international attention in 2010, Pastor Ssempa now finds himself in a perilous situation, fearing for his life and seeking justice. He has since adopted the name Gabriel Baaba Gwanga'mujje Eri Yesu, reflecting his deep religious convictions.
*The Assassination Attempts* : On 1st September 2024, Pastor Ssempa left his hideout bunker to oversee some critical road construction work at his home in Jungo, Kasanje. It was during this time that he was twice waylaid by two vehicles carrying six men each. These men, who appeared to be either military-related land grabbers or perverts, allegedly attempted to assassinate him. Pastor Ssempa narrowly escaped with his life and was forced to seek police assistance, obtaining two escorts to ensure his safe passage to the highway.
*The Threats:* This was not the first time Pastor Ssempa's life had been threatened. He has shared a video, originally recorded in February, which allegedly features an assassin's warning to kill him. The video, spoken in Luganda, mentions the deaths of other individuals, including Sobi, who were involved in land-grabbing atrocities. The menacing threats in the video were made by individuals claiming to be connected to CMI agents, Iraq veterans, and other deadly gangsters with guns. Despite reporting these threats to the police and the Lands Minister, Pastor Ssempa has found little solace in the authorities' actions.
*Living in Fear* : For the past three weeks, Pastor Ssempa has been living like a fugitive, forced to sleep outside his home due to fear for his safety. His plea for justice and protection has seemingly fallen on deaf ears, as no arrests have been made in the six months since the initial threats were reported. In a desperate bid to survive, Pastor Ssempa has reached out to the public, asking for help in spreading the word about his dire situation.
*A Call for Justice* : The situation faced by Pastor Ssempa highlights the broader issue of security and justice in Uganda. His case raises serious questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the protection of citizens, especially those who have been vocal about sensitive issues such as land rights and moral values. The lack of arrests and the continued threat to his life are indicative of a failing system that requires urgent attention.
Pastor Martin Ssempa, now known as Gabriel Baaba Gwanga'mujje Eri Yesu, has dedicated his life to his faith and his community. His survival of two assassination attempts is a testament to his resilience, but it also underscores the grave dangers he faces. As he continues to seek justice and protection, it is imperative that the relevant authorities take immediate action to ensure his safety. The public's role in amplifying his plea cannot be overstated, as the fight for justice and protection is one that concerns every citizen.
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