Sect Members Keep Woman’s Body for Six Days Awaiting ‘Resurrection’ as Self-Proclaimed Prophet Flees Village
Residents in Mukono District have expressed outrage after members of a fringe religious sect kept a young woman’s body inside a small house for nearly a week, convinced she would rise from the dead.
Authorities in Uganda have launched an investigation after the body of 26-year-old Ashe Segawa was discovered on Monday in a roadside home in Butinindi Village, Mukono District. Police say the deceased had been left inside the residence for six days while followers of a little-known religious sect conducted prayers, hoping to witness what their leader described as “a guaranteed resurrection”.
According to local reports published by Nile Post, the disturbing incident only came to light when villagers noticed a strong, worsening stench coming from the property and alerted authorities. When officers entered the house, they found Segawa’s remains lying inside a dark, cramped room with no sign that relatives or sect members had attempted to report the death or begin burial arrangements.
The group is led by Prophet Suzan Nelima, a self-styled spiritual figure who villagers say has been operating in the area for months. Police confirm Nelima has fled the community and is currently being sought for questioning.
Segawa’s brother, Abbey Kafeero, told reporters that Nelima had repeatedly assured the family that Segawa would “return to life on the seventh day,” insisting that prayer—not medical treatment—would save her.
“She stopped us from taking her to hospital. She told us to keep praying and trust she would wake up again,”
Kafeero said, describing the family’s distress as Segawa’s condition deteriorated.
Local leaders described the scene inside the house as “deeply troubling”, adding that no medical personnel had been informed and no effort had been made to preserve the body. Police say sect members appeared fearful that interrupting the ritual would “interfere with the miracle” they had been promised.
Residents have since accused the sect of discouraging followers from seeking healthcare, education, or formal employment, allegedly telling them that “Jesus will provide everything”.
Concerns intensified when villagers escorted local leaders to the sect’s makeshift church and discovered another man—seriously ill—lying on the floor while members prayed around him instead of arranging medical help.
Butinindi Village Chairman Peter Kayiira condemned the group’s practices, pledging immediate action to prevent further harm.
“This cannot be allowed to happen again. The sick man will be taken to hospital, and we will ensure his family is informed,”
Kayiira said, calling for tighter oversight of fringe religious movements.
National Pentecostal leader Bishop Michael Kyazze warned that rising poverty and desperation across rural communities were leaving people vulnerable to untrained and unregulated spiritual figures.
“People must question what these new prophets teach and not surrender their lives into unsafe hands,”
he cautioned.
Police have arrested four sect members, including the deceased’s mother, Mary Nakalanzi, who is accused of aiding in the concealment of the body and obstructing normal burial procedures. Investigations are ongoing, and officers say they are working with local leaders to track down Nelima, who is believed to be the central figure behind the week-long vigil.
Authorities have urged communities to remain vigilant and report any similar practices, warning that such incidents pose serious risks to public health and safety.
Also Read: Fresh Crisis Rocks UDA After MP-Elect Taken to Court Over Using Illegal Identity
Sect Members Keep Woman’s Body for Six Days Awaiting ‘Resurrection’ as Self-Proclaimed Prophet Flees Village