A quiet Wednesday evening in Bugembe turned into a scene of drama and concern when a young man climbed to the top of Christ Cathedral in what witnesses described as an attempt to reach heaven. The incident, which began around 5pm, drew crowds of onlookers and prompted a major emergency response as authorities worked to bring the man down safely.

The man, identified only as Stewart and believed to be in his mid-20s, reportedly made several attempts before successfully scaling the church building. Witnesses said he appeared determined to reach higher ground, though his exact motives remained unclear. “At first I thought it was a film scene,” said a local boda boda rider who saw the incident unfold. “But then I realized the man was serious about climbing that church.”

As news of the unusual event spread, hundreds of residents gathered around the cathedral, looking up in a mixture of shock and curiosity. Some prayed quietly while others recorded the scene on their phones. Police and fire brigade units arrived quickly, cordoning off the area and preparing for a delicate rescue operation.

Church leaders joined the effort, calling out to Stewart and trying to persuade him to come down. Some members of the crowd began singing hymns, hoping spiritual encouragement might succeed where words failed. “We are doing everything we can to bring him down safely—without divine levitation,” commented one police officer at the scene who asked not to be named.

Throughout the evening, Stewart remained perched high above the ground, occasionally waving or speaking words that couldn’t be understood from below. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the growing concern among emergency responders and spectators. As night fell, spotlights were brought in to illuminate the cathedral roof while rescue teams continued their efforts.

Mental health professionals watching the situation unfold urged the public to respond with compassion rather than amusement. “Yes, it’s unusual behavior,” said a Jinja-based psychologist. “But incidents like this reflect deeper issues in our society regarding mental health awareness and support systems. We should respond with understanding, not laughter.”

Authorities maintained a strong presence throughout the evening, periodically asking crowds to disperse and reminding people not to interfere with the rescue operation. Police spokesperson James Mubi emphasized that the priority was ensuring Stewart’s safety. “Our teams are trained to handle these situations carefully,” Mubi said. “We ask the public to give them space to work and to avoid sharing videos that might embarrass the individual involved.”

The incident has sparked conversations in Bugembe about mental health resources and how communities respond to such crises. While some spectators treated the event as entertainment, others expressed concern about what might drive a young man to such desperate measures. Local leaders pointed out that mental health services remain limited in many parts of Uganda, leaving families to cope with such situations on their own.

As night deepened, emergency crews set up safety nets and prepared climbing equipment for a potential physical rescue. Medical personnel stood by with a stretcher and first aid supplies, ready to assist when Stewart came down. Church officials kept vigil, offering support to the young man’s family members who had arrived at the scene.

The dramatic scene at Christ Cathedral serves as a reminder of the complex challenges surrounding mental health in Uganda. While the immediate focus remains on bringing Stewart down safely, the incident raises larger questions about how society cares for vulnerable individuals and what support systems exist for those struggling with mental health issues.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, balancing the need for a safe resolution with respect for the young man’s dignity. As one rescue worker put it: “However this ends, we hope it leads to help and healing, not just headlines.”

At the time this report was filed, Stewart remained on the cathedral rooftop—physically closer to the sky than most will ever be, but in need of very earthly help and understanding from the community below. The standoff continues, with emergency personnel working through the night to find a peaceful solution to this unusual and troubling situation.