Authorities in Mukono are investigating a deeply disturbing case of alleged religious negligence that resulted in the death of Atha Segawa, a 40-year-old resident of Butinindi Village, Tere Parish, Ntenje–Kisoga Town Council in Mukono District.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, has confirmed that, According to preliminary findings, Segawa fell ill nearly three weeks ago while staying at his family’s ancestral home. Rather than seeking medical treatment, family members and followers of a little-known religious sect allegedly subjected him to continuous prayer sessions. These prayers were reportedly led by self-styled pastor Nerima Margret , also known as Nabi, with the full involvement of Segawa’s mother, sister, relatives, and other sect members.
Police say the pastor instructed the family that Segawa required no medical care and would instead be healed through prayer. Despite his worsening condition, no attempts were made to obtain medical assistance. Segawa later died from his illness.
Shocking details emerged when police discovered that the family and sect members kept the body inside their home for several days, insisting they were praying and fasting for his resurrection. The decomposing remains were only discovered after a powerful stench alarmed neighbours, prompting residents to intervene.
“This is a clear case of negligence disguised as religious practice, and it cost a man his life,” Owoyesigyire said, noting that police at Kisoga Police Station have opened a case of criminal negligence.
The following individuals have been taken into custody as investigations continue:
- Nakalanzi Eseza, 65, mother of the deceased and an alleged pastor in the sect.
- Nakonde Susan, sister to the deceased, also described as a pastor.
- Pastor Nerima Margaret (Alias Nabbi), the religious leader who allegedly instructed the family not to seek medical attention.
- Several additional sect members found inside the home have also been detained.
A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Residents described the group as a fringe sect that forbids followers from seeking medical treatment or engaging in productive work. Members reportedly believe that “Jesus will provide,” and that prayers alone can heal any illness.
When journalists visited the sect’s prayer house in Butinindi Village, they found several visibly ill individuals lying on makeshift beds as a group prayed over them. Attempts to speak to one patient were unsuccessful; instead, a sect leader identified as Prophet Suzan Nelima answered on their behalf.
Local leaders expressed outrage at the discovery. Peter Kayiira, the chairperson of Butinindi Village, condemned the sect’s teachings, saying such doctrines put lives at risk. He criticized Pentecostal umbrella organizations for failing to supervise activities within up-country churches and prayer groups.
Residents described the week-long presence of Segawa’s body in the house as “unimaginable,” with many expressing disbelief that the family waited for a supposed resurrection even as the body decomposed.
In a statement, the Uganda Police Force strongly condemned religious or spiritual practices that endanger human life.
“Religious beliefs must never override the duty to preserve life or the dignity of the deceased,” the statement read. “Withholding medical treatment in the name of faith, or keeping a corpse at home for days, is both dangerous and criminal.”
Police urged the public to seek immediate medical attention whenever someone falls ill and to report groups that discourage medical treatment.
Owoyesigyire said investigations are ongoing and more arrests are likely as detectives widen the probe into the sect’s activities.
“We shall keep the public updated as the case progresses,” he added.
