A second-year law student at Kampala International University was on Friday injured while portraying Jesus Christ during a Good Friday “Way of the Cross” procession at Our Lady of Africa Church.
The student, identified as Dennis Zziwa, sustained injuries during the dramatic reenactment, which is a central part of Good Friday observances in many Christian communities. The “Way of the Cross” (also known as the Stations of the Cross) symbolically retraces the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, often involving actors who physically dramatize the events.
Eyewitnesses said the injuries occurred during scenes depicting the beating of Jesus, where Zziwa was subjected to intense physical acting as part of the performance.
He was immediately attended to by personnel from the Uganda Red Cross Society, who were on standby during the procession. After receiving first aid at the scene, he was transferred to Lemone Health Center in Luzira for further medical treatment.
Church officials and organizers emphasized that such reenactments are meant to be symbolic and spiritual, but acknowledged the risks involved when performances become physically intense.
Good Friday processions attract large crowds across Uganda, with participants reflecting on sacrifice, faith, and redemption. However, Zziwa’s injury has sparked conversation among some observers about the need for stricter safety measures during live religious dramatizations.
By Friday evening, sources indicated that the student was receiving medical care and was in stable condition.
