House of Prayer Ministries International lead Pastor, Aloysius Bugingo, is reportedly under stress after his Salt TV channel was disconnected from the satellite for failing to pay over Shs 100 million.
The development came to light during a Friday prayer service where Pastor Bugingo addressed his congregation, appealing for financial contributions to restore the channel to free-to-air waves.
He emphasized the importance of reconnecting Salt TV, saying it is vital for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are not yet saved and to believers living far away.
“The channel is a tool to reach souls that are far and wide. We need your support to get it back on air,” Pastor Bugingo reportedly told his followers.
Bugingo’s financial difficulties, according to sources, stem partly from his personal life, particularly his separation from his former partner, Teddy Bugingo.
The couple had endured hardship together, surviving in “stinking poverty” before Bugingo rose to prominence in ministry and media.
After parting ways with Teddy, Bugingo reportedly began a relationship with a former receptionist, Susan Makula, which some insiders say contributed to further instability in his personal and financial life.
This transition period has allegedly affected his ability to complete projects, including a church that was scheduled to be established weeks before his separation from Teddy.
The financial strain is said to extend to his once-thriving media empire, which has seen significant setbacks over the past few years.
Reports indicate that many of his staff members left the company, leaving operations understaffed and forcing him to close his popular newspaper, Ono Bwino.
Industry observers say the closure of the newspaper marked a significant downturn in Bugingo’s media influence, which had once been considerable.
Despite these challenges, the pastor has remained a prominent figure in Ugandan religious circles, known for his energetic sermons and outspoken media presence.
His appeal to the congregation for contributions highlights a broader reliance on followers to support media initiatives connected to religious work in Uganda.
Some critics argue that the financial troubles reflect mismanagement, while supporters contend that external factors and personal upheavals have contributed to the situation.
Bugingo’s stress reportedly manifests in both financial and emotional strains, affecting his ability to maintain the lifestyle and projects he had envisioned.
During the prayer service, he urged his followers to contribute generously, framing it as an opportunity to participate in a spiritual mission.
“The gospel cannot wait. Those who want to help should step forward,” he reportedly said, appealing to the generosity of his congregation.
Insiders note that his media channels, including Salt TV, played a significant role in his ministry, offering both religious programming and a platform for community engagement.
The pastor’s current struggles underscore the challenges of maintaining religious media enterprises in Uganda, where operational costs are high and revenue streams can be unpredictable.
Despite the setbacks, Pastor Bugingo continues to maintain a public presence, hoping to rally support and restore his projects to their former standing.
Observers say the coming months will be critical in determining whether Bugingo can stabilize his media and church initiatives while navigating personal and professional pressures.
