A shocking case of neglect and blind faith has come to light in Mukono District, leaving the community in disbelief. Ssegawa Asse, a 40-year-old resident of Butinindi, Terere Parish, Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council, died after being denied medical treatment and subjected solely to prayer sessions. According to police, Ssegawa fell ill about three weeks ago while at his family’s ancestral home. Rather than seeking professional medical help, the family, guided by local pastor Nelima Margret, also known as Nabbi, insisted on continuous prayers.
During this time, Ssegawa’s mother, sisters, relatives, and friends actively participated in the prayer sessions, strictly following the pastor’s instructions to withhold medical care. Tragically, the man’s condition worsened, and he eventually died. Shockingly, the family continued to keep his body inside the home for several days, hoping for a miracle, even as decomposition set in. It was only when neighbors noticed a strong, foul smell that authorities and the public discovered the body in an advanced state of decay.
The police have opened a case of rash and neglect at Kisoga Police Station and have arrested three suspects: Nakalazi Eseza, the deceased’s mother; Nakonde Suzan, his sister; and pastor Nelima Margret alias Nabbi, who allegedly instructed the family not to seek medical care. A postmortem examination will be conducted to confirm the cause of death, as investigations continue.
The Uganda Police Force condemned the incident, stressing that no religious or spiritual belief should ever endanger life. They urged the public to always seek timely medical attention when someone falls ill and warned that anyone promoting practices that risk human life will face legal consequences. The authorities have promised to keep the public updated as the investigation unfolds.
