The number of people belonging to a cult in Buikwe district that have died under mysterious circumstances has reached eight.
The latest to die was a six year old boy.
Known locally as the "666 religion," the cult doesnt believe in vaccinations, medical treatment, and formal education.
Members of the cult also dont participate in elections citing religious beliefs that reject earthly governance, dont use modern technology in form of phones, tvs, radios and other electronics, dont want to obtain any form of identification documents including national IDs but also do not recognize or subscribe to any earthly authority or leadership.
On Friday, angry residents, frustrated by the preventable deaths, demolished the group’s church, setting it ablaze and detaining several sect members, who were later handed over to the police.
“This group has caused us so much pain. We’ve lost our children because they refuse medical care and vaccinations. Enough is enough,” lamented one villager.
Residents of Kiwale have vowed not to allow the sect to return, citing the group’s practices as a threat to community safety. The government now faces mounting pressure to address the balance between religious freedom and public health.
Ngogwe Police Commander ASP Mugabi Robert Mpamire confirmed the arrest of nine sect members and emphasized the severity of the situation.
“Their extreme practices and disregard for public health are under serious investigation,” he said.
Buikwe MP Dr. Lulume Bayiga called on parents to vaccinate their children and reject emerging harmful faiths. She referenced the Kanungu tragedy as a cautionary tale.
Buikwe Woman MP, also State minister in the office of the vice president, Diana Mutasingwa condemned the sect’s actions, holding local leaders accountable for failing to address the situation earlier.
“This tragedy could have been avoided if local authorities had acted promptly,” she said, urging vigilance against dangerous faith practices.
Mutasingwa directed all relevant security organs in Buikwe, including the district health officer, to investigate the cult with immediate effect.
Healthcare workers have launched emergency vaccination campaigns in Kiwale to combat the measles outbreak that claimed the six-year-old’s life.
Dr. Richard Bossa, Buikwe’s District Health Officer, confirmed the deaths and announced that a surveillance team is monitoring the situation and collecting samples.
“I have directed the team to collect samples from the affected children with intention to find out the cause of the death" Said Dr Bossa.