Lakwena: The ‘spirit-led’ uprising that shocked Uganda

Then the artillery followed. Shells exploded with deafening force, throwing earth, smoke and metal into the air. Within moments, the battlefield turned into chaos. The belief that bullets would turn to water shattered under the brutal weight of machine-gun fire.Around 100 Lakwena fighters reportedly fell in the first exchange alone. Hymns faded into screams. 

Lakwena (centre), with two followers during the active years of the movement.