Police in Serere district are searching for more than 100 people who have allegedly gone missing after their pastors promised to take them to Ethiopia to spread the gospel of God.
The individuals who have gone missing are members of Christ Disciples Church (CDC) located at Obululun village, Bugondo Sub-county, Kidetok town council, and its branch in Olwa in Pigire Sub-county in Serere district.
Superintendent of Police -SP Oscar Gregg Ageca, the East Kyoga police spokesperson, said they have opened a case under reference CRB 002/2023 which they are using to search for the victims who allegedly started disappearing at the start of last month.
“We started the investigations following reports alleging that people were disappearing and that they were being trafficked and taken to Ethiopia to spread the gospel starting the month of February 2023,” SP Ageca said.
So far police have established that CDC pastor James Enyaku and his colleague Augustine Orago convinced their followers that God had a plan for them to go to Ethiopia to spread the gospel.
“Every member of the church was convinced to contribute two million shillings each for processing travel documents and to provide one bag of flour. Followers consequently, sold off their properties such as cattle, land, and other household items to raise money,” SP Ageca said.
Police and local authorities have established that those who met the requirements for travel are estimated to be around 100 and have allegedly travelled to Ethiopia with the church leadership.
Police have explained that among the individuals who are said to have travelled with CDC leadership include one Simon Peter Opolot the acting commercial officer of Serere district and his wife.
“The Uganda police is working to locate the leadership of the church and to ascertain the whereabouts of the members. We are meanwhile following leads, and asking the public to provide information within their knowledge to the officers at Serere Central Police Station,” SP Ageca said.
Worried residents have been assured that their family members will be recovered once they establish where CDC leadership is. Police have vowed to deal with whoever is behind the disappearance of the said individuals.