A 40 year old man, Asse Ssegawa, has been discovered dead and in a decomposing state as born again Christians payed for his miraculous resurrection. Ssegawa reportedly fell sick weeks ago and instead of being taken to the hospital, the born again Christians chose to pray for his healing.
Even when Ssegawa died, the Christians continued to pray his miraculous resurrection until a stench of his decomposing body was unbearable to the community members.
Read Full Police Statement
The Territorial Police in Mukono are investigating a disturbing incident of Rash and Neglect that resulted in the death of Ssegawa Asse, a 40-year-old resident of Butinindi, Terere Parish, Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council in Mukono District.
Preliminary findings indicate that the deceased fell ill approximately three weeks ago while at the family’s ancestral home. Instead of seeking medical treatment, he was subjected to continuous prayer sessions led by a local pastor, Nelima Margret alias Nabbi, together with his mother, sisters, relatives, and friends. Based on the pastor’s instructions, the deceased was denied access to any form of medical care and was only prayed for regularly.
Unfortunately, Ssegawa later succumbed to his illness. Shockingly, the relatives and the pastor continued to keep his body inside the house for several days, praying over it with the alleged hope of resurrection, even as it decomposed. Their actions only came to light after a strong smell raised suspicion within the community, prompting residents to check on the home, where they discovered the body in an advanced state of decomposition.
Police have since registered a case of Rash and Neglect at Kisoga Police Station and arrested the following suspects, who are currently in custody:
1. Nakalazi Eseza, female adult aged 65, mother to the deceased and a pastor.
2. Nakonde Suzan, sister to the deceased, alias “Pastor.”
3. Nelima Margret alias Nabbi, pastor who allegedly instructed the family not to seek medical treatment.
A postmortem examination will be conducted to establish the actual cause of death as investigations continue.
The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns actions that endanger life under the guise of religious, cultural, or spiritual practices. We urge members of the public to always seek immediate medical attention when a person falls ill.
Withholding medical treatment or keeping a deceased person in a home for extended periods in the hope of spiritual intervention is not only dangerous but also criminal. Religious beliefs should never override the duty to preserve life or respect the dignity of the deceased. Any individuals or groups found promoting practices that place lives at risk will be held accountable in accordance with the law.
We shall keep the public updated as the investigation progresses.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire
Deputy Public Relations Officer
Kampala Metropolitan Police