Deputy KMP Spokesman, Luke Owoyesigyire.
Police in Mukono District have arrested three individuals, including two self-proclaimed pastors, after they were found praying over the decomposing body of a 40-year-old man they believed would return to life.
The deceased, identified as Ssegawa Asse, a resident of Butinindi, Terere Parish in Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council, reportedly fell ill about three weeks ago while staying at the family’s ancestral home. Instead of seeking medical attention, relatives relied entirely on prayer sessions led by a local pastor, on the instruction that Ssegawa would be healed without medical intervention.
According to police, the family and pastor steadfastly refused to take the deceased for treatment, choosing instead to pray for divine healing. When Ssegawa eventually died, the group continued praying over his remains for several days in the belief that he would resurrect. Residents became suspicious after a strong, foul smell emanated from the home, prompting them to investigate and discover the body in an advanced state of decomposition.
Police were immediately alerted and a case of Rash and Neglect was registered at Kisoga Police Station. Three suspects were arrested and are now in custody. They include:
- Nakalazi Eseza, 65, mother to the deceased and a pastor
- Nakonde Suzan, sister to the deceased, also known as “Pastor”
- Nelima Margret, alias Nabbi, the pastor who allegedly instructed the family not to seek medical care
A postmortem examination will determine the actual cause of death as investigations continue.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire condemned the conduct of the suspects, warning the public against practices that endanger life under the guise of religion.
He emphasized that withholding medical treatment and retaining a body inside a home for extended periods in hope of spiritual miracles is both dangerous and criminal.
“Religious beliefs should never override the duty to preserve life or respect the dignity of the deceased,” Owoyesigyire noted, adding that individuals promoting harmful practices will be held accountable under the law.
Police have called on the public to prioritize medical care whenever illness arises, and to report any practices that put lives at risk. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
