Miracle Gone Wrong! Mukono Family Arrested After Man Dies, Body Decomposes In Failed Resurrection Prayers | Pastor Takes Off!

By Our Reporter

Police in Mukono are investigating a suspected case of neglect and rash behavior after a 40-year-old man died following weeks of prayer-based treatment, with his body kept in a house for days as relatives hoped he would miraculously come back to life.

The deceased, Asse Ssegawa, a resident of Butinindi in Terere Parish, Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council, reportedly fell ill about three weeks ago while staying at his family’s ancestral home. Instead of seeking medical attention, relatives, including his mother and sisters, engaged in continuous prayer sessions led by a local pastor, Margret Nelima, also known as Nabbi.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, preliminary investigations suggest the pastor instructed the family not to pursue any medical care, insisting that prayer alone would heal Ssegawa.

“As Ssegawa’s condition worsened, the group reportedly continued their prayer rituals without seeking professional help. He later died,” ASP 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 case only came to light after neighbors noticed a strong odour emanating from the house, prompting them to investigate. They found Ssegawa’s body in an advanced state of decomposition.

Police have registered a case of rash and negligent conduct at Kisoga Police Station. Three suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody:

• Eseza Nakalazi, 65, mother of the deceased and a pastor
• Suzan Nakonde, sister of the deceased, also referred to 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 exact cause of death, while police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In a statement, the Uganda Police Force strongly condemned the misuse of religious or cultural practices in ways that endanger lives. 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 illegal.

ASP Owoyesigyire added that anyone promoting harmful practices under the guise of spirituality will be held accountable under the law, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.