What started as a peaceful Sunday service at New Life Gospel Ministries in Jinja, Eastern Uganda, quickly turned into a scene of horror that left everyone in shock. Churchgoers had come expecting worship and prayer. Instead, they witnessed a heartbreaking tragedy right before their eyes.
According to police, Pastor Peter Okello, aged 56, arrived at the church as usual, wearing his religious robes. But hidden beneath his robes were two sharp knives. At first, he appeared calm and quiet, sitting at the front of the church. No one had any idea what he was planning.
Without warning, Pastor Okello suddenly walked up to his wife, Grace Okello, who was also a pastor and co-founder of the church. In a shocking act of violence, he began stabbing her in front of the congregation. People screamed in terror and ran for safety, but it was too late. Grace was stabbed several times and died on the spot.
Moments later, Pastor Okello turned one of the knives on himself and cut his own throat. He died shortly after. The double tragedy left everyone in the church stunned and speechless.
The couple had been married for more than 20 years and had built the church together. However, police say the two had been having serious disagreements recently. Reports suggest that they were fighting over church leadership and property matters. Investigators found a note believed to have been written by Pastor Okello. In it, he accused his wife of betrayal and wrote that it would be “the last day of her lies.”
Postmortems have been done at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, and investigations are still ongoing. The church has been closed off while police search for more clues and evidence.
This sad event has caused a lot of anger and sadness across Uganda. Many people are now speaking out about the dangers of domestic violence, even in places of worship. Religious leaders in the area have strongly condemned the act and are encouraging couples to seek counseling and help instead of resorting to violence.
For the members of New Life Gospel Ministries, that Sunday will never be forgotten. What should have been a holy day turned into a tragedy that has left deep emotional scars. The incident is a painful reminder of the need for mental health support, conflict resolution, and honest communication—especially among couples and church leaders.
