Police in Mukono are investigating a suspected case of rash and neglect after a 40-year-old man died following weeks of prayer-based treatment and was kept inside a house for days as relatives hoped he would rise again.
Police have launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Asse Ssegawa, a resident of Butinindi in Terere Parish, Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council, after he was allegedly denied medical care for weeks and later kept in a house long after his death.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, preliminary findings show that Ssegawa fell ill roughly three weeks earlier while staying at his family’s ancestral home.
Instead of taking him to a health facility, his mother, sisters, relatives and friends subjected him to continuous prayer sessions led by a local pastor, Margret Nelima, also known as Nabbi.
Police say the pastor allegedly instructed the family not to seek any medical treatment, insisting that prayer alone would heal him.
"As Ssegawa’s condition worsened, the group reportedly continued their prayer rituals without seeking professional help. He later died," Owoyesigyire said.
"However, in a deeply disturbing turn of events, the relatives and pastor kept the body inside the house for several days, continuing to pray over it in the belief that he would resurrect."
The situation only came to light after a strong odour raised suspicion among neighbours, prompting them to check on the home.
They found Ssegawa’s body in an advanced state of decomposition.
A case of rash and neglect has since been registered at Kisoga Police Station. Police have arrested three suspects who are currently in custody:
- Eseza Nakalazi, 65, mother of the deceased and a pastor
- Suzan Nakonde, a sister to the deceased, also known as “Pastor”
- Margret Nelima, alias Nabbi, the pastor accused of instructing the family to avoid medical care
A postmortem examination is expected to determine the actual cause of death as investigations continue.
In a statement, the Uganda Police Force strongly condemned the misuse of religious or cultural practices in ways that endanger life.
Authorities urged the public to seek immediate medical attention whenever someone falls ill, warning that withholding treatment or keeping a deceased person in a home for extended periods is both dangerous and criminal.
Police further cautioned that any individuals or groups promoting harmful practices under the guise of spirituality will be held accountable under the law.
ASP Owoyesigyire said updates will be provided as investigations progress.
