Following the disappearance of several people from Mityana district, the Police has launched a probe into the matter after a pastor was implicated in the scheme.

It emerged on Monday afternoon that several followers, including seven from one family, vanished after a pastor asked them to lock their homes, switch off their phones and follow him.

Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, in a statement about the missing people said Pastor Samuel Kalibbala is a person of interest in the matter.

“The pastor and his followers locked their homes and have since switched off their known contacts,” Enanga said in the statement.

“It is now seven days since the pastor with seven family members who include Jesca Namuwaya, (the wife to Sulait Kintu), Shakim Ssekyewa aged 19, Shifrah Nampeewo aged 17, Muhammad Muteesasira aged 10, Muhammed Ssenabulya aged 8, Angel Nakintu aged 4 and Mable Uwuzeeye, who disappeared from their home in Naama Central LC1, Naama Ward, Busimbi Division, in Mityana Municipality,” the statement reads.

Enanga said Police is following a number of leads, specifically Namuwaya who rang the daughter she left behind, Nabulya Faridah, but stopped short of revealing her whereabouts. She switched off the phone immediately afterwards.

“It is unfortunate that we have a pastor who is not transparent in his methods of using his powers to control his followers. Such conduct has the potential of opening wounds for relatives who missed their loved ones during the Kibwetere cult saga in Kanungu,” Enanga added.

“So far, three accomplices of Pastor Kalibbala Samuel who helped transport the victims have been arrested. These include Harriet Kajubi a 53-year-old teacher, Harriet Nalweyiso a 62-year-old midwife and Shakim Ssekyewa an 18-year-old student,” the statement adds.

“We want to assure the families that they should not lose hope as the search is ongoing. We shall trace the secret location, and bring all perpetrators to book,” Enaga added.