Police investigate Kabarole church
Nov 12, 2008
POLICE in Kabarole district are investigating a church for allegedly discouraging members from seeking medical treatment.
By Hope Mafaranga
POLICE in Kabarole district are investigating a church for allegedly discouraging members from seeking medical treatment.
The church, Rwengwara Healing Church of All Nations, in Kibiito sub-county in Kabarole, operates another institution called the Christian Orphans Company (COC), in Fort Portal municipality that is funded by its large membership.
The Kabarole Resident District Commissioner, Kakonge Kambarage, said last week that the leaders demand that their followers rely on prayer for healing, which allegedly has led to several deaths among the believers.
The coordinator of Kabarole Association of Non-Governmental and Community Based Organisations, Edward Itoote, told this reporter that two church members died after their leaders allegedly prohibited them from getting medical treatment. If found guilty, said Itoote, the church will be closed and its licence revoked.
The church leaders are also being investigated over allegations that they are extorting money from the believers under the guise of running an orphanage for the community.
Itote said the activities of COC are similar to those of several savings organisations which were closed recently for demanding money from members after promising them loans and school bursaries.
He said COC moved to work in Fort Portal after it was expelled from Bushenyi, Kabale and Kasese.
POLICE in Kabarole district are investigating a church for allegedly discouraging members from seeking medical treatment.
The church, Rwengwara Healing Church of All Nations, in Kibiito sub-county in Kabarole, operates another institution called the Christian Orphans Company (COC), in Fort Portal municipality that is funded by its large membership.
The Kabarole Resident District Commissioner, Kakonge Kambarage, said last week that the leaders demand that their followers rely on prayer for healing, which allegedly has led to several deaths among the believers.
The coordinator of Kabarole Association of Non-Governmental and Community Based Organisations, Edward Itoote, told this reporter that two church members died after their leaders allegedly prohibited them from getting medical treatment. If found guilty, said Itoote, the church will be closed and its licence revoked.
The church leaders are also being investigated over allegations that they are extorting money from the believers under the guise of running an orphanage for the community.
Itote said the activities of COC are similar to those of several savings organisations which were closed recently for demanding money from members after promising them loans and school bursaries.
He said COC moved to work in Fort Portal after it was expelled from Bushenyi, Kabale and Kasese.