MUKONO. Police in Mukono District are investigating a disturbing incident in which a 40-year-old man died after being denied medical treatment.
The deceased, Ssegawa Asse, a resident of Butinindi, Terere Parish in Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council, his body kept in a house for days as relatives prayed for his resurrection.
Asse reportedly fell ill three weeks ago at the family’s ancestral home. According to police preliminary findings, instead of seeking medical care, family members turned to prayer sessions led by a local pastor, Nelima Margret, also known as Nabbi(prophet) .
Under the pastor’s instructions, Ssegawa was denied any medical attention and was subjected to continuous prayers conducted by his mother, sisters, relatives, and friends. His condition deteriorated, and he eventually died.
Shockingly, the family continued to keep his body inside the house for several days, praying over it with the belief that he would resurrect, even as it began to decompose. The situation only came to light when neighbours detected a strong stench and went to check on the home. They found the body in an advanced state of decomposition.
Police at Kisoga Police Station have registered a case of Rash and Neglect and arrested three suspects now in custody. They include: Nakalazi Eseza, 65, the deceased’s mother and a pastor, Nakonde Suzan, his sister, also referred to as a pastor
Nelima alleged to have instructed the family not to seek medical help
A postmortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
Kampala Metropolitan deputy Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire condemned the incident, warning against dangerous religious practices that undermine the right to life and dignity.
“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 criminal,” he said. “Religious beliefs should never override the duty to preserve life.”
He advised the public to seek immediate medical care whenever someone falls sick and warned individuals or groups against promoting dangerous practices .