Law student injured while portraying Jesus during Good Friday procession

Kampala, Uganda — A second-year law student from Kampala International University was injured on Good Friday while portraying Jesus Christ during the annual Way of the Cross procession at Our Lady of Africa Church.

The student, Dennis Zziwa, sustained injuries during the reenactment, which symbolically reflects the suffering of Jesus Christ on his journey to crucifixion. He was first treated at the scene by volunteers from the Red Cross before being transferred to Lamone Health Center for further medical attention.

Good Friday observed nationwide

Good Friday is one of the most solemn days on Uganda’s religious calendar and is observed as a public holiday. Across the country, Christians gathered in churches, streets, and designated prayer routes to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ through prayer services, scripture readings, and Way of the Cross processions.

In major urban centers such as Kampala and other towns, the observance drew large crowds, with processions temporarily disrupting traffic and commercial activity as believers paused to reflect on themes of sacrifice, humility, forgiveness, and redemption. Many Ugandans used the day for quiet reflection, fasting, and communal prayer as part of the wider Holy Week leading to Easter Sunday.

Calls for reflection and safety

Religious leaders used Good Friday sermons to call for peace, unity, and moral renewal, urging believers to apply the lessons of Christ’s suffering to everyday life. Emphasis was also placed on compassion, restraint, and the need to observe religious traditions in a manner that safeguards participants, especially during physically demanding reenactments.

Witnesses at the Mbuya procession described the event as deeply spiritual but expressed concern over the injuries sustained by the student, noting the importance of medical preparedness during such activities.

Condition stable

Dennis Zziwa is reported to be in stable condition as he continues to receive treatment. Church officials and community members have wished him a quick recovery, commending his dedication to portraying the significance of the Good Friday observance.

Lucid News Africa will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.