“A barbaric act”: Catholic Official Condemns Deadly Attack on Parish in DR Congo’s Uvira Diocese

Kinshasa, 25 November, 2025 / 11:07 PM

The Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has condemned the November 23 deadly attack at the Holy Family Luvungi Parish that left at least four people dead and several others injured.

In a statement issued shortly after the attack, Fr. Emmanuel Musabila condemned the attack that he described as “barbaric and cowardly” against the faithful who gathered for their Diocesan Youth Day celebration.

According to eyewitness accounts gathered on the scene, an armed individual, still unidentified, stormed into the parish grounds before opening fire on the crowd. 

The attack claimed the lives of four people and left five others seriously injured, according to religious sources present at the Mass.

“The perpetrator is said to be a former usher at this parish who has now joined the Wazalendo self-defense group, and he unleashed bloodshed within this sacred space,” Fr. Musabila says

He added, “It is not yet possible to give a full toll at the moment.”

The Diocesan Youth Day had brought together several groups of young people as well as choirs from the deaneries of Lubarika, Katogota, Bwegera, and Luberizi. 

Panic quickly spread among the parishioners before the victims were evacuated to Luvungi Hospital for medical care.

The violence in the DRC has escalated significantly in recent months, with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group making substantial territorial gains.