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The Police in East Kyoga have arrested a 35-year-old self-styled pastor identified as Peter Ogoba of Galilee Ministry of Christ Church in Amen B, Soroti City West Division, and temporarily closed the church for allegedly confining critically ill patients in his church under the guise that they will receive instant healing.

In an operation that was led by the district police commander (DPC) Soroti City West, SP Rashid Mohamed Byansi, on the morning of Monday, April 29, more than 30 Christians were found in the church, four of whom were critically sick, and needed urgent medical attention.

The acting Police spokesperson for East Kyoga, ASP Edison Obukulem, confirmed Ogoba’s arrest and said the Police had recorded case number GEF05/2024 at Soroti City West Police pending investigations.

Obukulem also condemned some churches that were engaging in misguiding members of their congregations, who could have otherwise sought treatment, rather than spend critical time in churches while in their conditions.

Galilee Ministry of Christ Church in Amen B, Soroti City West Division.

"As Police, we are not against churches, but it is not the right place to keep the sick, but only a place where people can seek God's blessings and prayers,” Obukulem said.

Ogoba speaking to journalists shortly after DPC Byansi ordered his arrest, claimed that several people had healed after prayers for them at the church.

Some of the Christians who spoke to Etop Radio said they were healed through prayers at the same church, adding that it was not right for the Police to come and close the church.