Family prays for dead body for seven days in hope of resurrection

Police have arrested four members of a little-known religious sect after followers kept the body of a deceased believer for nearly a week, hoping he would rise from the dead, local authorities and residents said.

The victim, 26-year-old Ashe Segawa, fell critically ill at his ancestral home in Butinindi Village, Mukono District, but was reportedly denied medical treatment under the instructions of the group’s self-proclaimed spiritual leader, Prophet Suzan Nelima, also known as Nelima Margret [Nabbi].

“He was not allowed to eat even when he was very sick,” Abbey Kafeero, Segawa’s brother, told _MONITOR_ on Wednesday.

He added, “When he died, she told us not to inform anyone because he

would be resurrected after seven days.”

Residents said the family and sect members continued praying over the body in fasting vigils, believing in a “seven-day resurrection miracle.”

The stench from the decomposing body eventually alarmed neighbors, who contacted local authorities.

“When we entered the house, the smell and filth were unbearable. We had warned the chairman days before, but nothing was done,” said one villager who had reported the matter earlier but preferred anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case.

Butinindi Village Chairman Peter Kayiira condemned the sect’s actions and vowed swift intervention.

“We will ensure the sick are taken to the hospital and that families are informed. What has happened here is unacceptable,” he said.

Uganda has virtually unregulated churches and religious associations, which continue to sprout in different parts of the country, often exploiting poverty and limited oversight to gain followers, experts say.

Speaking to _MONITOR_, Kayiira also warned against the spread of such religious groups that mislead vulnerable communities.

Police confirmed the arrests of Mary Nakalanzi, the deceased’s mother, and two relatives accused of hiding the body.

The self-proclaimed prophet is believed to have fled.

“Following the pastor’s instructions, the family denied him access to medical care, relying solely on prayer. Tragically, Segawa succumbed to his illness,” said ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police.

Authorities have registered a case of rash and negligent conduct at Kisoga Police Station and plan to conduct a postmortem to determine the exact cause of death.

The police issued a stern warning that “practices endangering life under the guise of religion are criminal offenses.”

'ANOTHER ILL MAN'

Witnesses also reported another gravely ill man at the sect’s makeshift church, lying on the floor as members prayed around him. Villagers say he is too weak to speak and has been denied medical care.

Residents condemned the sect for other extreme practices, including forbidding members from working and preventing the sick from seeking hospital care.

“Jesus will provide,” they said the leaders often told followers.

Bishop Michael Kyazze, president of the Coalition of Pentecostal Evangelicals, said desperation in communities is making people vulnerable to manipulation by self-styled prophets.

“Believers must critically examine and question the teachings of new religious figures. Failure to do so exposes them to spiritual and physical danger,” he noted.

Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities urged the public to always seek medical care while religious leaders stressed that spiritual beliefs should never override the duty to preserve life or respect the dignity of the deceased.