Unearthing the mysteries of Kanungu

Feb 15, 2001

LATE in the 1980's, Gauda Kamushwa in Rukungiri District, claims that rocks in the caves of Nyabuguto have changed into Virgin Mary.

Title: The Kanungu Cult-Saga: Suicide, Murder or Salvation Edited by: S. Kabazzi, Deusdedit Nkurunziza, Gerard Banura Publisher: Marianum Press Available: Department of Religious Studies, Makerere University. Reviewed by: Kezio Musoke LATE in the 1980's, Gauda Kamushwa in Rukungiri District, claims that rocks in the caves of Nyabuguto have changed into Virgin Mary. Later, others among them Dominic Kataribabo, Credonia Mwerinde and Omukuru w'entumwa, Joseph Kibwetere, join in. In 1990, Kibwetere announces the Movement for the Restoration of Ten Commandments of God. Ten years later, on March 17, 2000, all members of the Movement, gather at Kanungu to be saved. Over 500 of them perish in a fire in the cult's church. The question everyone asks: Is this a case of murder or mass suicide? A new book, The Kanungu Cult-Saga: Suicide, Murder or Salvation, introduces one to the historical origins and evolution of the religious cult. It gives an in-depth analysis of the key personalities in the cult's leadership. The book, which is more of an analysis by a three-man team of researchers, investigates mysteries basing on, on-spot coverage of the after-event findings. Some of the findings give answers. The team includes Dr. S. Kabazzi-Kisirinya, head of the department of religious studies, Makerere, University, Dr. Deusdedit Nkurunziza and Dr. Gerard Banura. Dr. Kabazzi-Kisirinya says, the significance of the publication is to bring the Kanungu cult saga to the academic level. He says, it is the task of academicians to critically evaluate human behaviour and attempt to delineate the way forward for the future The book is a dissection into the Kanungu mysticism. It highlights among others the theology of Kibwetere's organisation, its rituals and practices, which included the oath of silence, the liturgy and the celebration of the sacraments which Kataribabo and another priest, Andrew Tusiime, always administered. The book also presents a discussion based on a conference following the Kanungu research team's report. Discussions include a critical evaluation by Banura, who formed the research team, and a comprehensive study by Prof. A.B.T Byarugaba–Akiiki highlighting the nature of such cults and sects. Banura's analysis dwells on the nature of the movement, the doctrine, the attitude of religious leaders as, the countdown to the Kanungu tragedy and the aftermath-conclusion from the tragedy. He also argues that the rules and practices of the movement were clever and calculated means of exercising total control over people's lives, both in mind and body. About 150 people were interviewed to make this publication. Names of 597 people believed to have perished are included. Much as questions about the Kanungu mystery still have mythical answers, the Department of Religious Studies (MUK), should be commended for the publication. It is hoped that the insights from this book will inspire other researchers in the mysteries of Kanungu. Ends

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