Coronavirus: Police arrest leader of religious cult

Apr 03, 2020

The Kagadi district Police commander, Stephen Kamar, said Banura had opened Burora Itambiro and was conducting prayers, contrary to the President's orders.

CRIME  |  COVID-19

A branch leader of the Faith of Unity Movement, a religious cult which operates mostly in western Uganda, has been arrested in Kagadi district.

The suspect has been identified as Omukwenda Banura of Burora branch Kagadi. The cult is headed by Ow'Obusobozi Bisaka, a self-styled god.

The district Police commander Kagadi, Stephen Kamar, said Banura had opened Burora Itambiro (prayer place) and was conducting prayers contrary to the President's orders.

"We are charging him with disobedience to lawful orders and he will be arraigned in court to answer those charges," said Kamar.

President Museveni recently directed that no prayers should be held at any church, mosque or any other gathering place in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19 that has so far left 45 people hospitalised. 

He said when the Police approached the itambiro, other followers took off but they arrested at least seven people including juveniles who were later released. The adults are currently detained at Kagadi police station.

However, Banura denied having been conducting prayers. "I was only leading some people to clean the Itambiro," he said.

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