Police warn against fake pastors, traditional healers

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Police have issued a stern warning against fraudulent religious leaders and traditional healers who are defrauding unsuspecting victims by extorting money and property under the guise of spiritual healing.

While addressing the media on March 3, 2025, at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Police spokesperson, Rusoke Kituuma, said security agencies had gathered intelligence on a growing network of fake pastors who exploit the faithful.

“There are numerous victims who have fallen prey to these individuals. They extort significant amounts of money and property from their victims, including land titles,” Kituuma said.

According to Police investigations, these fraudsters operate as pastors during the day but secretly engage in traditional healing practices at night.

“Their places of worship often double as shrines. At first, the victims believe in their so-called divine interventions, but once they realise they have been deceived, the fraudsters resort to issuing threats—some even as extreme as death threats,” he explained.

Police have so far identified 15 prominent suspects involved in these schemes and are continuing investigations.

However, Kituuma emphasized that authorities are currently focusing on exposing these individuals before making arrests.

“We are digging deeper into their activities. At an appropriate time, we shall make arrests and expose the suspects,” he stated.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious religious figures engaging in deceptive activities.

“These fraudsters are preying on gullible citizens. We call upon the public to be cautious and report any cases to the nearest police station,” Kituuma added.